tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973608375954066922018-03-05T19:26:13.557-08:00Ri The BardRi The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-7700933294759938132012-09-23T15:50:00.001-07:002012-09-23T15:51:36.350-07:00I'm having so much fun with Chatting With Sherri!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uo0pJvlhtA/UF-D_i3HtkI/AAAAAAAAA9c/whTm6-4ggG8/s1600/S_stvpalmcanyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uo0pJvlhtA/UF-D_i3HtkI/AAAAAAAAA9c/whTm6-4ggG8/s200/S_stvpalmcanyon.jpg" width="200" /></a>I had a great interview last Tuesday with the wonderful Steven Sears on<strong><span style="color: magenta;"> Chatting With Sherri </span></strong>on Blogtalk Radio.&nbsp; We had such a good time that I almost forgot that I was doing an interview.&nbsp; Of course I had to do all the stuff you have to do in the studio so I couldn't allow myself to forget it. He was so much fun and it was so educational! I hope those who listened live and those who have already listened to&nbsp;the recording enjoyed it as much as I did!!! Here is the link so you can hear what I am talking about; <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/2012/09/18/chatting-with-sherri">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/2012/09/18/chatting-with-sherri</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBdae-SXvUo/UF-E_dGZjWI/AAAAAAAAA9k/X5H3KOIVG50/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBdae-SXvUo/UF-E_dGZjWI/AAAAAAAAA9k/X5H3KOIVG50/s200/untitled.png" width="200" /></a></div>This coming Tuesday on, <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Chatting With Sherri</span></strong>, &nbsp;I will be chatting with <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">George Mc quade III</span></strong>&nbsp;of <span itemprop="name"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>MAYO Communications</strong></span>! He is a very well known PR expert, who will be talking about creative ways to use mass media to build your brand. Also how PR is changing thanks to mass media, it's going to be a fun and fascinating talk. I hope you all can join us. Please follow me on the <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Chatting With Sherri </span></strong>site so you can get email updates; <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard</a> and join us for chat on Teusday at 1030am on Sept 25th! <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/2012/09/25/chatting-with-sherri">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/2012/09/25/chatting-with-sherri</a>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMBCxKPeC2Q/UF-ISBjUrwI/AAAAAAAAA98/rSSmQoizEIg/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMBCxKPeC2Q/UF-ISBjUrwI/AAAAAAAAA98/rSSmQoizEIg/s1600/untitled.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name">Instead of an interview about me and what I think,&nbsp;here is&nbsp;an interview with my own lovely Dr. Anne Ross of <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Fantasy Time Inc.</span></strong> She tells how she really feels about herself, me and her adventures at her agency <span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Fantasy Time Inc.</strong><span style="color: black;">;</span><strong> </strong></span><a href="http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/content/character-dr-anne-ross-talks-about-fantasy-time-inc-written-sherri-rabinowitz">http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/content/character-dr-anne-ross-talks-about-fantasy-time-inc-written-sherri-rabinowitz</a>&nbsp;Please let me know what you think about what Anne said :) I think she did a great job!</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbR8snzw8-g/UF-Q__clV2I/AAAAAAAAA-U/MxgAKfwzZJ8/s1600/postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbR8snzw8-g/UF-Q__clV2I/AAAAAAAAA-U/MxgAKfwzZJ8/s200/postcard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name">Last but not least is an interview about both my books <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Murder Inc.</span></strong> and<strong> <span style="color: magenta;">Fantasy Time Inc</span></strong>, and my writing career.&nbsp; It was an interesting&nbsp;interview and I did a mini-reading of both my novels. So listen in to this fun chat with Book Hunt Review by <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sisterhoods-connections"><span itemprop="name">Sisterhoods Connections</span></a>;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sisterhoods-connections/2012/09/15/pending">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sisterhoods-connections/2012/09/15/pending</a>&nbsp;.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name">Once you hear my readings and want to buy my lovely books, here are the lovely link :)</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name">Fantasy Time Inc.; <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fantasy-time-inc-sherri-rabinowitz/1022333494?ean=9781432758110&amp;r=1">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fantasy-time-inc-sherri-rabinowitz/1022333494?ean=9781432758110&amp;r=1</a>&amp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name">Murder Inc. ; <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-inc-ri/1007817033?ean=9781598002829&amp;r=1">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-inc-ri/1007817033?ean=9781598002829&amp;r=1</a>&amp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name">Please drop me a line and say hi;</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name">Till next time...</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span itemprop="name"></span></span></span><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/X5_dtVec-2U" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com1http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-had-great-interview-last-tuesday-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-69357389434960391912012-09-07T11:32:00.000-07:002012-09-07T11:32:55.700-07:00I Did it!!!!<div align="center" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13470398647632480"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2HDW3SGtaA/UEo79LaJUrI/AAAAAAAAA9A/2ETQ91DnfsI/s1600/35816_406565138320_1875124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2HDW3SGtaA/UEo79LaJUrI/AAAAAAAAA9A/2ETQ91DnfsI/s200/35816_406565138320_1875124_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I did it, my first ever episode of Chatting with Sherri is under my belt! Yeah!!!! I am so excited. It went very well I had some good feedback from people who heard it both live and on the podcast.<br />Gabriel Beyers was my very first guest and he did a great job. Here is the link to our interview;<br /><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/2012/09/04/chatting-with-sherri">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/2012/09/04/chatting-with-sherri</a>&nbsp;.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8y0Z4Mk3Z8/UEo7bAb54kI/AAAAAAAAA8w/jrJz8MCwceg/s1600/168_18160930182_8330_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8y0Z4Mk3Z8/UEo7bAb54kI/AAAAAAAAA8w/jrJz8MCwceg/s200/168_18160930182_8330_n.jpg" width="153" /></a>Next week we are dark but the following week, Sept 18th&nbsp;my guest is Steven Sears. He is a very talented and witty man. He is best known as the Co-Executive producer and writer of the TV series Xena, Warrior Princess. He is also one of the kindest and most affable people it has been my pleasure to meet in show business. Here is the link for his interview, please follow to get the email updates for this&nbsp;episode; <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/2012/09/18/chatting-with-sherri">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/2012/09/18/chatting-with-sherri</a>&nbsp;.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>So to add to his very interesting&nbsp;Blogtalk Radio interview, &nbsp;I also did an interview for my writing blog. So with out any further adieu, Gabriel Beyers...</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><br /><div>&nbsp;<span style="color: blue;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FiUyO7PjYo/UEo7I2fzLTI/AAAAAAAAA8o/PjjgS8svQuE/s1600/d54ae1dff9c50ad8956e32_L__V177933538_SX200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FiUyO7PjYo/UEo7I2fzLTI/AAAAAAAAA8o/PjjgS8svQuE/s200/d54ae1dff9c50ad8956e32_L__V177933538_SX200_.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />Oh, man. That's a tough question. Love? I guess I'd have to say Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I had read many other books that I liked a lot, but Adam's combination of Sci-Fi and zany British humor was like nothing I had ever read. I do still own Hitchhiker, and re-read it from time to time. It never loses its charm.</div><br /><div><span style="color: blue;">&nbsp;What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span></div><div><br />I'm not a genre snob. If it's a good story, I want to read it. I do, however, prefer something with a paranormal twist to it. I'm a huge fan of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles and Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas. I loved Harry Potter and Stephen King's Dark Tower series. They definitely each have had an affect on my writing. They are my writing teachers. How can you ever hope to be great if you don't study the greats?</div><br /><div><span style="color: blue;">&nbsp;Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span></div><div><br />Many books have touched me with their great writing or incredible stories, but I don't tend to get too emotional. Scary books don't really scare me. I do remember being a bit depressed when I finished with The Lord of the Rings. I didn't want it to end. But the book that cut me the deepest was The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Maybe it's because I have a young son, but I was completely heartbroken by the ending and it haunted me for days.</div><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /><div><span style="color: blue;">&nbsp;Is there an era of writing that affects you? 19<var></var>20, 1800’s so forth?</span></div><div><br />I don't have an era that affects me. I do like to read about ancient Rome, or the Old West. I also have a thing for the 50s.</div><br /><div><span style="color: blue;">&nbsp;Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</span></div><div><br />Anywhere quiet. When my wife and I were first married, before we had kids, I wrote in the extra room of our two-bedroom apartment. Now I find myself writing at a small sewing machine desk in our dining room or sneaking my laptop into the day job to write during down time. Someday I hope to have my own office again where I can close the door and lose myself to the work. It's a nice dream.</div><br /><div>&nbsp;<span style="color: blue;">Do you prefer one genre to another?</span></div><div><br />I'll read anything, but I'm not a big fan of romance. I like it when something supernatural happens in a story, but it's not a requirement.</div><br /><div><span style="color: blue;">&nbsp;Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</span></div><div><br />I love the feel and smell of a real book, but I've been having an affair with my Kindle. I fought ebooks for the longest time, but I have to admit, I love them (and not just because that's how I'm trying to make my living). They are just so convenient. I love walking around with a whole library in the palm of my hand.</div><br /><div>&nbsp;<span style="color: blue;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span></div><div><br />Right now I'm writing a few short stories as I prepare to start my next novel. I have an idea for a series that I'd like to try. It's dystopian and features some flesh eaters, but I don't want it to be like all the other zombie books out there. I don't write from an outline, but I do run the idea through my mind, rolling it over and over until I'm sure it's something I can write.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><br /><br /><div class="yiv1796842412center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSi4279RwK8/UEo7ysInjbI/AAAAAAAAA84/_SjlxMifznM/s1600/51PKbAGlbTL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSi4279RwK8/UEo7ysInjbI/AAAAAAAAA84/_SjlxMifznM/s200/51PKbAGlbTL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="line-height: 200%;">IN THE TOWN OF SHADELAND, PEOPLE ARE VANISHING.</span></div><div class="yiv1796842412center">After suffering a near-death accident, Casper Brown awakens with a strange new connection to three stray dogs recently adopted by his family. Casper’s nights are filled with dreams of the dogs’ activities; at times he can even see through their eyes. And what he witnesses has him worried for his family’s safety.</div><div class="yiv1796842412center"><span style="line-height: 200%;">AN ENIGMATIC EVIL IS HIDING, WAITING TO STRIKE.</span></div><div class="yiv1796842412center">The Pummels are the most beloved family in town. Though their wealth, philanthropy, and charisma form a cloud of mystery about them, their work with the town’s exotic cat rescue center has captured the heart of the people. But the Pummels are guarding a secret. One they will kill to keep quiet.</div><div class="yiv1796842412center"><span style="line-height: 200%;">ITS HUNGER IS INSATIABLE.</span></div><div class="yiv1796842412center" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13470398647632485">Shadeland is a town of shadows, where hunters hide in plain sight and prey scurry about unaware. But a new predator has been unleashed. One unlike any this world has seen.</div><div class="yiv1796842412center" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13470398647632487"><span style="line-height: 200%;">ITS SURVIVAL IS OUR DOOM</span></div><div class="yiv1796842412center"><span style="line-height: 200%;"></span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Gabriel's Blog&nbsp; <a href="http://www.gabrielbeyers.blogspot.com/">http://www.gabrielbeyers.blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div><div class="yiv1796842412center"><span style="line-height: 200%;"></span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Amazon author page <a apdtc_preview_processed_2="1" class="apdtc_removeattr_2" href="http://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-Beyers/e/B00545OA7U/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-Beyers/e/B00545OA7U/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0</a>, Predatory Animal's Amazon page <a apdtc_preview_processed_2="1" class="apdtc_removeattr_2" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008SLF2QA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008SLF2QA</a>.</span></div><div class="yiv1796842412center"><span style="line-height: 200%;">&nbsp;Twitter <a apdtc_preview_processed_2="1" class="apdtc_removeattr_2" href="https://twitter.com/gabrielbeyers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/gabrielbeyers</a>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="yiv1796842412center"><span style="line-height: 200%;">&nbsp;Facebook <a apdtc_preview_processed_2="1" class="apdtc_removeattr_2" href="https://www.facebook.com/gabeswriting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/gabeswriting</a>.</span><br /><br />Till next time...</div><div class="yiv1796842412center"><span style="line-height: 200%;"></span>&nbsp;</div></div><div>&nbsp;</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/xiOLHOk-iFo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-did-it.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-90147516705377868602012-08-31T10:48:00.008-07:002012-08-31T11:57:03.484-07:00Here comes Chatting With Sherri!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqPRfeXFzUI/UEEBa-1LnpI/AAAAAAAAA8U/BH1USwT3nbs/s1600/35816_406565138320_1875124_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5782904959574711954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqPRfeXFzUI/UEEBa-1LnpI/AAAAAAAAA8U/BH1USwT3nbs/s200/35816_406565138320_1875124_n.jpg" /></a> I am so excited about my first broadcast of my new show Chatting with Sherri. I am also nervous, I have been interviewed on the radio and I have done a lot of interviews between my magazine and this blog, but on air is a different kettle of fish.<br /><br />My first guest will be writer Gabriel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beyers</span> who will be chatting about his new book Predatory Animals. We had our test yesterday and it worked out perfectly so I am very optimistic about our broadcast. Just follow the page and you will get a reminder on the day before and the day of the broadcast, here is the link; <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard</a> .<br /><br /><br />Here is a great interview about my novel Fantasy Time Inc. from my last guest Erin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zarro</span>; <a href="http://erinkendall.wordpress.com/2012/08/24/interview-sherri-rabinowitz/">http://erinkendall.wordpress.com/2012/08/24/interview-sherri-rabinowitz/</a> . Please check out this fun interview.<br /><br />Also if your in the San Diego area please join me for my class Writing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fanfiction</span> for Fun and Profit; <a href="http://www.learningannexlocal.com/courses/Writing-Fanfiction-for-Fun-and-Profit">http://www.learningannexlocal.com/courses/Writing-Fanfiction-for-Fun-and-Profit</a> just press the I'm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interested</span> button and you will be able to keep up with all the information on the class.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Please join me in welcoming our guest writer Greg Kuhn;<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7PF88P7kYE/UED9hny3g-I/AAAAAAAAA7w/SRUpUTjvj20/s1600/gregoutsidebymikesmaller%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 100px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5782900675603563490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7PF88P7kYE/UED9hny3g-I/AAAAAAAAA7w/SRUpUTjvj20/s200/gregoutsidebymikesmaller%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div> What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</div><div> </div><div>The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. I couldn't put it down in high school; I was compelled by the immigrant's struggles, the inhumane living conditions, and the horrendous work environment in the meat packing industry. I still own it, but haven't read it in a long while.</div><div> </div><div><br />What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</div><div> </div><div>I enjoy books that explore the mind/body connection - I'm reading Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind by Joe <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dispenza</span> right now. My new book, although in the weight-loss genre, is really a mind/body self-help book. I also enjoy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deepak</span> Chopra and his books definitely influence my writing; I read things that Dr. Chopra writes about and he<br />motivates me to go do research on topics that I want to write about and include in my books.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</div><div> </div><div>Dr. Wayne Dyer's book, You'll See It When You Believe It, during a time of personal crisis and was helped immensely by his guidance. I read that book twice.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800’s so forth?</div><div> </div><div>I am especially affected by writers who have sprung up at the end of the 20<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Century through<br />today who cover the same topic I do: the new paradigms which quantum physics is giving us. Our paradigms are the reason we do the things we do and, previously, our paradigms had all been based on the old science of the first scientific revolution. Because quantum physics is so much more precise and reliable than the old science, the paradigms we create from it offer us an amazing array of new possibilities for successful living. Losing unwanted weight is but one of<br />those.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</div><div> </div><div>My office is adjacent to our bedroom and has a large window overlooking our backyard. Even though we don't live in the country, I can sometimes see deer and hawks from that window. I love to be here and write on my large oak desk. This is a quiet, private spot, yet not isolated from my family since my wife is often in the next room and my sons are usually just down<br />the hall.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Do you prefer one genre to another?</div><div> </div><div>I prefer non-fiction and self-help in particular. I've been writing self-help with my father, Clifford Kuhn, M.D. (aka The Laugh Doctor) since 1995. And, to escape, I also enjoy<br />reading zombie novels. I'm pretty sure those are fictional stories.</div><div> </div><div><br />Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</div><div> </div><div>A year ago I would've told you that a book in my hand is where it's at. But I was given an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPad</span> for my birthday and that changed everything. I love reading on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPad</span> and, with the Kindle app, I can read just about any format on it. I love having hundreds of books on that small device; I feel like a walking library.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Can you tell us about what your working on now?</div><div> </div><div>I'm starting my next book in my Why Quantum Physicists...series. This one is for teachers. But I'm also spending a great deal of time with promoting Why Quantum Physicists Don't Get Fat, which is great fun because I'm so proud of it. I'll slowly morph into more writing than promoting, but right now I'm doing a lot of talking about the current book.</div><div> </div><div>Author Greg Kuhn is a professional educator and a futurist, specializing in framing new<br />paradigms for 21st Century living. For the last fifteen years, he has written<br />primarily with his father, Dr. Clifford Kuhn, M.D., about health, wellness, and<br />productivity. </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSZ2mvlKnI8/UED93xjC-aI/AAAAAAAAA78/ZJilhT8nroI/s1600/WhyQuantumPhysicistsDontGetFatAmazonCover%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 87px; height: 135px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5782901056178682274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSZ2mvlKnI8/UED93xjC-aI/AAAAAAAAA78/ZJilhT8nroI/s200/WhyQuantumPhysicistsDontGetFatAmazonCover%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br />Greg Kuhn lives in Louisville, KY with a wonderful wife and four fantastic sons (one by marriage) whom he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span> have published this book without; you can read more at <a class="apdtc_removeattr_1" href="http://whyquantumphysicists.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" apdtc_preview_processed_1="1">http://whyquantumphysicists.wordpress.com/</a> and <a class="apdtc_removeattr_1" href="http://www.squidoo.com/why-quantum-physicists-dont-get-fat" target="_blank" apdtc_preview_processed_1="1">http://www.squidoo.com/why-quantum-physicists-dont-get-fat</a>.<br /> Here is the Amazon link to my book:<br /><a class="apdtc_removeattr_1" href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-Quantum-Physicists-Dont-ebook/dp/B008I3CURM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1341779750&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=why+quantum+physicists" target="_blank" apdtc_preview_processed_1="1">http://www.amazon.com/Why-Quantum-Physicists-Dont-ebook/dp/B008I3CURM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">qid</span>=1341779750&amp;<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">sr</span>=8-2&amp;keywords=why+quantum+physicists</a></div><div> </div><div>Thanks Greg, for a fun interview, your book sounds interesting and different,</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Till next time...</div></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/R5wGY_kOuck" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/08/here-comes-chatting-with-sherri.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-70304355707123510412012-08-24T12:30:00.000-07:002012-08-24T12:30:06.337-07:00Writing Fanfiction for Fun and Profit<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y7TMMseATc/UDfT4wtQMVI/AAAAAAAAA7U/LihJ6NGoNJU/s1600/ILoveFanFiction.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y7TMMseATc/UDfT4wtQMVI/AAAAAAAAA7U/LihJ6NGoNJU/s200/ILoveFanFiction.png" width="200" /></a>I love fan fiction, it has been my home for many years. I think it is a safe place for writers and artists to do their thing and make their mistakes. It is an environment that helps you find a group of people who love you and support your work. It is a place where you find a following. It is place to meet a lot of friends. A great place.</div><div></div><div>I learned what my strong points and weak points are in this safe world. You get a lot of feed back both good and bad. There are some people who love to support and there are those who love to attack. It is the way of the world, the yin and yang of learning how to be your authentic self.</div><div></div><div>It led me to my original fiction and to my new Blogtalk radio show; Chatting With Sherri; <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard</a> . It brought me to own writing and when I sold my first piece I knew I was a real writer. There are several ways that fan fiction can lead you to a career in writing or art. I am going to teach a class at the Learning Annex in San Diego. So if your there in Sept please join me; <a href="http://www.learningannexlocal.com/courses/Writing-Fanfiction-for-Fun-and-Profit">http://www.learningannexlocal.com/courses/Writing-Fanfiction-for-Fun-and-Profit</a> . Here is my fan fiction website; <a href="http://xenafiction.net/Ri/Ri.cfm">http://xenafiction.net/Ri/Ri.cfm</a>&nbsp;thanks to the kindness of the talented people who support it at <a href="http://xenafiction.net/styles/athenaeum_deepblue/whats_new.cfm">http://xenafiction.net/styles/athenaeum_deepblue/whats_new.cfm</a>&nbsp;. They have always supported me and have been great friends.<br /><br />I have written two new blogs, one is so cute, it is my kitty blog. Xena has written an update; <a href="http://akittysview.blogspot.com/">http://akittysview.blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;and a very personal movie blog about a movie and a special friend; <a href="http://rismovieblog.blogspot.com/">http://rismovieblog.blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;.<br /><br />And now for the newest author that I am doing an exchange with Erin Zarro so please give a happy big welcome to Erin...</div><div></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--p2ycVxpVNw/UDfPvVx3k8I/AAAAAAAAA60/jPpL2dp4NqE/s1600/DSC_0012aa%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5780317058960430018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--p2ycVxpVNw/UDfPvVx3k8I/AAAAAAAAA60/jPpL2dp4NqE/s200/DSC_0012aa%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 194px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br /><div>What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?<br /><br />To be honest with you, I really can't remember that far back -- I've been reading forever. One book that sticks out in my mind, from back in my contemporary romance days, is Mirror Image by Danielle Steel. Pretty amazing book. And yes, I still own it. :D<br /><br />What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?<br /><br />Oh man, I love different kinds of books -- paranormal romance, fantasy, dark fantasy, horror, thriller, mystery, sci-fi...and everything else in between! And absolutely each genre I read has<br />an affect on what I write. I never copy authors, but the books I've read have sparked ideas. And different directions. And subgenres -- Fey Touched, my debut release, is science fantasy. I took what I loved most about both genres and combined it. There is so much out there and so many angles to pursue.<br /><br />Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?<br /><br />There are a lot of them, but one really stands out - Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. This book amazed and inspired me to write fantasy, to have noble characters who fought for what was right, for love that transcends everything and never dies...I don't think I'll ever forget<br />it. Every so often, I reread it to capture the magic again.<br /><br />Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800’s so forth?<br /><br />I really like writing about the future. There's no limit on what you can do.<br /><br />Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?<br /><br />I have a home office in the basement, in a room that's completely mine. I'm surrounded by books -- shelves upon shelves. Trinkets and things that mean something to me. My photography. My outlines. My music. It is heaven.<br /><br />Do you prefer one genre to another?<br /><br />If I had to pick just one (even though there's a few), I'd probably have to say fantasy.<br /><br />Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?<br /><br />I like both! I can never get tired of the feel of an actual book, but I am really digging e-readers. I have a Sony e-Reader and a Kindle Fire. Love them both, too.<br /><br />Can you tell us about what your working on now? <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nsgs81L-sw/UDfP8rzKt2I/AAAAAAAAA7A/riQTi4_RMyA/s1600/fey%2Btouched%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5780317288209758050" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nsgs81L-sw/UDfP8rzKt2I/AAAAAAAAA7A/riQTi4_RMyA/s200/fey%2Btouched%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 134px;" /></a></div><div></div><div>Yep, I'm working on the sequel to Fey Touched. I'm also developing ideas for a dark fantasy trilogy and what may become another science fantasy series.<br /><br />Amazon (Kindle edition): <a apdtc_preview_processed_2="1" class="apdtc_removeattr_2" href="http://www.amazon.com/Fey-Touched-ebook/dp/B008R15JFK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1345604192&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Fey+Touched" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Fey-Touched-ebook/dp/B008R15JFK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1345604192&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Fey+Touched</a><br /><br />Amazon: (Print Edition): <a apdtc_preview_processed_2="1" class="apdtc_removeattr_2" href="http://www.amazon.com/Fey-Touched-Erin-Zarro/dp/1477630236/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1345604262&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=Fey+Touched" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Fey-Touched-Erin-Zarro/dp/1477630236/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1345604262&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=Fey+Touched</a><br /><br />Turtleduck Press: A writer's alliance I'm<br />a member of. We seek to publish less commercial but quality works. We exist to<br />push boundaries. This is who I published Fey Touched through. <a apdtc_preview_processed_2="1" class="apdtc_removeattr_2" href="http://www.turtleduckpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.turtleduckpress.com/</a><br /><br />Thank you Erin, your book series looks great!<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br /></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/xM1CZfO689M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/08/writing-fanfiction-for-fun-and-profit.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-16844686357322581322012-08-17T12:46:00.009-07:002012-08-17T13:40:55.152-07:00Chatting With Sherri<div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1-MW-Cq_gk/UC6oj2JW_TI/AAAAAAAAA5M/EW9GQcS2bgk/s1600/35816_406565138320_1875124_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777740705746582834" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1-MW-Cq_gk/UC6oj2JW_TI/AAAAAAAAA5M/EW9GQcS2bgk/s200/35816_406565138320_1875124_n.jpg" /></a>It is so exciting to try new things. As I told you last time I am trying my hand at new types of writing. Now I am taking it a step further out of my comfort zone...I am working on Blogtalkradio and doing my own show called Chatting With Sherri. <div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It will be an interview show with creative people about being creative. It is the most exciting thing because I will be able to chat with people in an easy and comfortable way about the creative arts. I am so into following my creative passions, it will be very exciting to talk to other people about their passions. So on Sept 4Th please check out my first show, here is the link; <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard</a> .</div><div> </div><div><br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHvcSde8I_Y/UC6r_OEy49I/AAAAAAAAA5w/OR27QKmurZM/s1600/the%2Bamazing%2Bdome%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bdel%2Bcoronado.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; height: 134px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777744474561242066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHvcSde8I_Y/UC6r_OEy49I/AAAAAAAAA5w/OR27QKmurZM/s200/the%2Bamazing%2Bdome%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bdel%2Bcoronado.jpg" /></a></div><div>I went to an event at the Hotel del Coronado and I still love that historic hotel. I took a lot of pics so I decided to do a travel blog about it. <a href="http://adviseontravel.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-favorite-historic-hotel-in-san-diego.html">http://adviseontravel.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-favorite-historic-hotel-in-san-diego.html</a> I think you will see how beautiful it is. If you have ever been there please tell me about your experience. Did you meet Monroe's ghost?</div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div>My Kitty Xena has been at my computer again and wrote another blog. Let her know w<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbrjoDCjwvU/UC6rrlhOd5I/AAAAAAAAA5k/rYgCKoS4IW4/s1600/xena.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777744137257121682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbrjoDCjwvU/UC6rrlhOd5I/AAAAAAAAA5k/rYgCKoS4IW4/s200/xena.jpg" /></a>hat you think; <a href="http://akittysview.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-kittys-week-of-visitors.html">http://akittysview.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-kittys-week-of-visitors.html</a> .</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />I would like to introduce the latest of my interview exchange program for this blog. Here is Tracy Kauffman;<br /><br /><br /> <br /> What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</div><div> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfeI7Ahnodg/UC6jj_loA5I/AAAAAAAAA4o/6nhy_qUFKaY/s1600/Author%252520Tracy%252520Kauffman%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777735210722919314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfeI7Ahnodg/UC6jj_loA5I/AAAAAAAAA4o/6nhy_qUFKaY/s200/Author%252520Tracy%252520Kauffman%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div> I love reading Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I loved reading about a young boy that was mischievous and seemed a lot like me growing up. You'll have to read my book, Southern Adventures when it comes out. No, I don't still have a copy, but I'm sure I can find it on Amazon.</div><div> </div><div><br />What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</div><div> </div><div> I love reading adventure type books still, like African Ice by Jeff Buick.</div><div> </div><div><br />Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</div><div> </div><div> The first book that I ever remember touching me deeply was the Bible. There are so many people, time frames, parables, the creation of the earth, life lessons, symbolism and of<br />course God is in it.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800’s so forth?</div><div> </div><div> I love reading things about the middle ages. I have written a young adult/teen book called:<br />My Boyfriend the Squire, which is based on the medieval period.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</div><div> </div><div> So far, I am using my son's old room. I love to be able to type the book out, because it is so much easier to delete and rewrite anything.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Do you prefer one genre to another?</div><div> </div><div> I like fiction fantasy, but enjoy romance stories as well.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</div><div> </div><div> I really like the feel of a book in my hands, the new smell, the way a real book lights up a child's eyes and they smile.</div><div> </div><div><br /> Can you tell us about what your working on now?</div><div> </div><div> My book, Gwendolyn's Wish is a children's fiction fantasy book about a girl who receives<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7nH7fmV7qs/UC6junWALyI/AAAAAAAAA40/D3RylrgU1uQ/s1600/9781462672073.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 155px; height: 200px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777735393193504546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7nH7fmV7qs/UC6junWALyI/AAAAAAAAA40/D3RylrgU1uQ/s200/9781462672073.jpg" /></a> a magical parrot that can grant wishes. That is not the best part of the book, though. The best part is what she wishes for and what she realizes. It has a lot of good principles in it and it was inspired by a dream I had. Truly a different exciting book that I know everyone will love.</div><div> </div><div><br />My website: <a href="http://tracykauffman.yolasite.com">http://tracykauffman.yolasite.com</a><br />To order Gwendolyn's Wish:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&amp;field-keywords=gwendolyn%27s+wish%27">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&amp;field-keywords=gwendolyn%27s+wish%27</a></div><div> </div><div>Thank you for a great Interview Tracy, Loved it!!!</div><div>Here is her interview with me about Fantasy Time Inc.</div><div><a href="http://tracykauffman.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz-author.html">http://tracykauffman.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz-author.html</a></div></div></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/135L08c5wh8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/08/chatting-with-sherri.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-43508140027574535632012-08-03T11:08:00.009-07:002012-08-03T12:34:23.193-07:00Being Open to Learn New Things<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ids5u5r8L-Y/UBwlZBrYcnI/AAAAAAAAA4M/eH2sQWXJ-K8/s1600/schrift%2B2_whiteBG.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772529934259483250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ids5u5r8L-Y/UBwlZBrYcnI/AAAAAAAAA4M/eH2sQWXJ-K8/s200/schrift%2B2_whiteBG.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 175px;" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><div><div><br /><div>The last time I took a class about screenwriting was back in college and I was really nervous because it was at UCLA, where so many great film makers came from. I really enjoyed it but at the time I felt it was not for me. There were so many rules I didn't think I really could do it.<br /><br />Now thirty years later, I have changed my mind. I am working on my first screenplay. And after all these years I have started to take classes on line. I also took a couple of telephone classes. Either I am smarter or more experienced but I think I can handle them now, at least I hope so. I have started on the screenplay and I am doing the research as well as taking all these new classes. It is really cool that you can do this on line and do it at your own pace, it is very different then when I was younger. We have access to so much knowledge, so much is at our fingertips. You have to be selective but when you find the right information, Wow!</div><div></div><div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772529616733083778" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMFjrAk79T8/UBwlGizMGII/AAAAAAAAA4A/PdLIhHMa50I/s200/untitled.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 76px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /><br /><br />The site Author's Promoting Authors is a great site that helps writer promote their books both on their site and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span>. Here is my promotion; <a href="http://authorspromotingauthors.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/book-feature-fantasy-time-inc-sherri.html">http://authorspromotingauthors.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/book-feature-fantasy-time-inc-sherri.html</a><a href="http://authorspromotingauthors.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/book-feature-fantasy-time-inc-sherri.html">i.html</a>. Check it out and contact them to promote your books, it is a free service and it gets a great response.<br /><br />I love the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Goodreads</span> site, you get to know about books you wouldn't know about with out them. They have wonderful giveaways like they had with my novel Fantasy Time Inc. I have put my name in to win a few giveaways myself, I won my first one called Hiss and Hers: An Agatha Raisin Mystery, please read my review here; <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/351480205">http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/351480205</a> . You also can review any books that your reading not just the giveaways. Here is my review of Judi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dench's</span> new book;<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/358108973">http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/358108973</a> .<br /><br />Here is my latest interview with author B. C Brown about her writing;<br /><br />B.C. Brown was born with six fingers on each hand endowing her with super powers, thus enabling her to <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqxBoO01gR8/UBwkw1k_B8I/AAAAAAAAA30/J9L8beSU3NM/s1600/me%2B2012%2Bspring%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772529243816658882" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqxBoO01gR8/UBwkw1k_B8I/AAAAAAAAA30/J9L8beSU3NM/s200/me%2B2012%2Bspring%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 184px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>fight crime. When a freak Cuisinart accident severed the additional digits and her powers, B.C. was forced to fall back on her secondary talent -writing. Now she lives between the pages of a book - whether she has written it or not. Since she has not found<br />the surgeon to restore her fingers and powers, she has published three novels to<br />date and contributed to one anthology. She enjoys writing mystery, paranormal<br />romance, science fiction and fantasy but is always in the mood for a challenge<br />to branch out. You can follow her crime fighting or writing at her blog <a href="http://www.bcbrownbooks.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bcbrownbooks.blogspot.com/</a> or Amazon Author page <a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/bcbrown" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.amazon.com/author/bcbrown</a><br />.<br /><br /><br /><br />1. What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?<br /><br />Stephen King's Carrie. I was approximately 11 when I read this book and, while I'd read many before, it had a profound effect on me. So much so that when "Come to School As Your Favorite Book Character" Day came around at school, I dressed as Carrie - prom gown covered in blood and all! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lol</span> And, yes, I still own a copy. Just not the same one since I've read it so<br />often.<br /><br />2. What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?<br /><br />Depending on what I'm writing at the time is what I try to stick to reading. When my fantasy novel, Sister Light, Book One: Of Shadows, came out under my pen name, I read fantasy<br />exclusively. When I began work on A Touch of Darkness and A Touch of<br />Madness, I began reading paranormal mysteries and police procedural novels.<br />For me, it's a way to keep me in touch with the world I'm trying to<br />create.<br /><br />3. Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?<br /><br />I connect to them all in one way or another. But the first one to<br />truly touch my heart? That actually didn't happen until very recently (well,<br />within the last several years). I wept for multiple characters in this<br />book/series, and I still do as the series is continuing still to this day - A<br />Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire Series.<br /><br />4. Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800’s so forth?<br /><br />I thoroughly enjoy Victorian-based novels and also those set in the roaring 20's. But I'll never<br />discriminate against a novel because of it's setting. I'm willing to give everything a chance.<br /><br />5. Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--J3ynjSRVI0/UBwkcI4O6ZI/AAAAAAAAA3o/5pYIR8ZPYzY/s1600/Touch-Darkness%2BCover%2BArt%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772528888220412306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--J3ynjSRVI0/UBwkcI4O6ZI/AAAAAAAAA3o/5pYIR8ZPYzY/s200/Touch-Darkness%2BCover%2BArt%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 125px;" /></a><br />I prefer to write on my couch with a blanket over my legs and my<br />dog sleeping beside me. But a lot of my writing gets done at my "day" job.<br />Sadly, very little of it gets accomplished at the beautiful, little writing desk<br />my significant other bought for me.<br /><br />6. Do you prefer one genre to another?<br /><br />Reading, I prefer mysteries, paranormal (no vamps or shifters, please), and sci-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fi</span>/fantasy<br />(more fantasy, less sci-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fi</span>). Writing, I tend to stick within the same. However,<br />I don't write sci-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">fi</span>, and occasionally branch out into the romance genre as<br />well. Although those stories have not been published to date.<br /><br />7. Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic<br />devises?<br /><br />Both. If home, I love to curl up with a real paper book (especially if I'm relaxing in a hot bath with a glass of wine, for instance). But, when on the go (which is most of my life, let me tell you), I'm glad for the convenience of portability that electronic format offers. My house,<br />as well, with its limited space is grateful for the lack of paperback books.<br /><br />8. Can you tell us about what your working on now?<br /><br />My next<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_q4uMHl0o0/UBwj-iQXiyI/AAAAAAAAA3c/XWjCo6cO-a8/s1600/Touch-Madness%2BCover%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772528379636452130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_q4uMHl0o0/UBwj-iQXiyI/AAAAAAAAA3c/XWjCo6cO-a8/s200/Touch-Madness%2BCover%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 125px;" /></a> project is a spin-off from the world in my last two paranormal mysteries, A Touch of Darkness and A Touch of Madness. It shares the same world Abbey does but has a whole new female lead named Jillian Dewitt. And she has a problem. After a freak accident, Jillian can<br />manipulate the dead, bringing Brittany James, a chatty spook, to her door.<br />Trouble in the spiritual world is affecting ghosts of the world, and Brittany<br />needs Jillian to hunt down a potentially deadly ghost who seems to be behind it.<br />In over her head, Jillian finds herself in a world of voodoo ritual, body<br />disinterment, and power-hungry poltergeists.<br /><br /><br />Thank you for letting us to get you know you a bit better :)<br /><br />Till next time...</div></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/xQFd_l_Rkhk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-last-time-i-took-class-about.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-76757583390105515022012-07-13T12:55:00.022-07:002012-07-13T15:02:25.996-07:00My kitty has her own blog!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCfrCEC9gR0/UACK8DurZmI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/kGbizxBnQFo/s1600/cover.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764760287432107618" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCfrCEC9gR0/UACK8DurZmI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/kGbizxBnQFo/s200/cover.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 133px;" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xu0exq-MHOM/UACKYn4EmbI/AAAAAAAAA2E/LGVUabg6-9U/s1600/livepreview.jpg"></a><br /><div>My books have been claimed and sent out for the big giveaway on Goodreads. I really hope that the winners enjoy it. I gave them a bit of surprise, I autographed them. I think that was a nice touch don't you? Here's to comfortable chair and a good book.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div>There is a new blog that is out I am very proud. My kitty Xena has her own blog. It's called A Kitty's View: A Kitty Hi To You All <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oA</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><div></div><div></div></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a14jsHZw6NA/UACJsvA2x8I/AAAAAAAAA14/YBcH0labVn8/s1600/xena%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bcane%2Bchair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764758924661540802" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a14jsHZw6NA/UACJsvA2x8I/AAAAAAAAA14/YBcH0labVn8/s200/xena%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bcane%2Bchair.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a></div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfOauoRnI&amp;h=oAQHtEoZZAQEsJgKhY_AidppACfb3D6VsDlEWbbGkV3xI_g" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><div></div></a><br /><div>&nbsp; Xena is very anxious that you all you read it and let her know if you like it. She has her paws over eyes.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Let's welcome my Freind Barbara Daoust and her wonderful new book, True Love, True Self; <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETbs9m71ugQ/UACD4K_YrwI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/6tc_Il-okVY/s1600/BizHShot_1%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764752524080361218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETbs9m71ugQ/UACD4K_YrwI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/6tc_Il-okVY/s200/BizHShot_1%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 143px;" /></a><br /><div align="left"><span style="color: black;">What was the first book you remember loving?</span> </div><div><br />"Dr. Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence. I read it when I was 19 or 20. </div><div><br /><span style="color: black;">Do you still own it?</span> </div><div><br />Yes. </div><div><br /><span style="color: black;"> What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span> </div><div><br />I like to read high literature when I set aside the time. Otherwise, I read books about self-growth, self-help, and spirituality on a daily basis. Yes, these books have an affect on my own writin</div><div align="right"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTKAh2tNII0/UACEHPgzj6I/AAAAAAAAA1c/JwRZjj39wqA/s1600/bookcover%2B%25282%2529.jpg"></a> </div><div>g. I recently published my own self-help book, called "True Love, True Self: a Journey to Self-Love." <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MllQamBpXz0/UACEcqlLapI/AAAAAAAAA1o/xYVu1iZx1Ps/s1600/bookcover%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764753151035665042" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MllQamBpXz0/UACEcqlLapI/AAAAAAAAA1o/xYVu1iZx1Ps/s200/bookcover%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 140px;" /></a></div><div><br />Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply? </div><div><br />"Notes to Myself" by Hugh Prather. </div><div><br />Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800’s so forth? </div><div><br />I do like some of the high literature writing from the 1920's - ie A Room with a View, Howard's end by E.M. Forster or The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. </div><div><br />Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</div><div><br />My favorite place to write is in my office at my computer next to a window. </div><div><br />Do you prefer one genre to another?</div><div><br />Nowadays, I like books that explore the concept of metaphysics. </div><div><br /><br />Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</div><div><br />I prefer the feel of a book in my hands. </div><div><br />Can you tell us about what your working on now?</div><div><br />I'm working on promoting my recently published book. I think that the next book will be <br />a self-help book for actors.</div></div></div></div></div><br />Thanks Barbara for time with your lovely book, here is where you can get her wonderful book, <a href="http://www.truelovetrueself.com/" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13422166758951977" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1342216677_0">www.truelovetrueself.com</span></a>.<br /><br />Till next time...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/nvWgDPV-mVE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-books-have-been-claimed-and-sent-out.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-14200030068160709812012-07-07T16:22:00.016-07:002012-07-07T19:26:44.830-07:00It Was An Honor To Be Nominated...<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlte0yqydqY/T_jLja-QIDI/AAAAAAAAA0c/PtVLUO9VcPQ/s1600/schrift-3.-red.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 146px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5762579532616835122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlte0yqydqY/T_jLja-QIDI/AAAAAAAAA0c/PtVLUO9VcPQ/s200/schrift-3.-red.gif" /></a><div>Well all good things must come to an end and sadly I didn't make the finalists for the Global E-Book Awards. Sad, huh? I think about what people at the awards show do with a frozen smile and clapping for the winner. So I guess I will have to just man up with a stiff upper lip and say, "It was an honor just to be nominated."
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I got an interesting offer from bloggerdise to do a banner about my book. It is a way to attract other bloggers, I thought it was very interesting. Here is my banner; <a href="http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=4231">http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=4231</a> .
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I had a lovely interview with Southern Girl I think I gave a bit of a short shift last week, so here the interview again; <a href="http://tracykauffman.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz-author.html">http://tracykauffman.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz-author.html</a><a href="http://tracykauffman.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz-author.html">binowitz-author.html</a> .
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2bgcmPbKl0/T_jLyJdR_hI/AAAAAAAAA0o/jAul1GLbeWg/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; height: 76px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5762579785613180434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2bgcmPbKl0/T_jLyJdR_hI/AAAAAAAAA0o/jAul1GLbeWg/s200/untitled.bmp" /></a></div><div>I also want to remind everyone that there is just a two days to win a free signed copy of Fantasy Time Inc. So go to Goodreads and sign up; <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-incfantasy-time-inc">http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-incfantasy-time-inc<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-inc">fantasy-time-inc</a>, hurry!
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I love this new feature of author exchange,don't you? I think it is fun to hear all about these wonderful writers. My guest today is J. Naomi Ay...
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAhXCENCE3s/T_jIzIWvT6I/AAAAAAAAA0M/64rNsxYg0-0/s1600/jay%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 154px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5762576503962292130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAhXCENCE3s/T_jIzIWvT6I/AAAAAAAAA0M/64rNsxYg0-0/s200/jay%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?
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<br /></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><div> </div><div> I read Gone with the Wind in 7th grade. It took me 2 days. I didn’t eat or sleep. I didn’t go to school but faked a fever instead. Yep, I had a fever alright for Rhett Butler.
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span>
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<br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> I go through phases. For a while there I would only read historical fiction. I loved the Plantagenets and still feel Richard III was unfairly demonized throughout history. Sometimes I’m only in the mood for light beach books (usually summer when I am at the beach) and other times I’m ready for some assassin type stuff. I love Harry Bosch too by the way. Does it affect my own writing? I write fantasy so other than the tall dark handsome smart sexy male lead, probably not.
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> It’s a toss up between Old Yeller and Where the Red Ferns Grows. I sobbed my way through them. You did ask for the first book.
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920's, 1800’s so forth?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Well, the cool thing about my books is I have so many different characters speaking in so many different voices that I can bring them in from all sorts of eras. For instance, some of the characters are “Royals” and speak in very classical voices whereas others are very modern and every other word (well not every other word) is “dude”.
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Sitting on my bed with my laptop on my lap in the evening.
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<br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Do you prefer one genre to another?
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<br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I absolutely prefer fantasy with paranormal elements. I’m not into werewolves or vampires though but I am having tremendous fun making up whole new worlds where everything happens just the way I want it to.
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<br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?
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<br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> I love love love love my iPad. I love carrying a whole library with me where ever I go. I love being able to sit in the “Not so Jiffy Car Lube Place” and find out I now have a 90 minute wait and being able to download a new book to read.
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Can you tell us about what your working on now?
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<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7f8Vg10_h3I/T_jIT47CPbI/AAAAAAAAA0A/nCJszAR-ThM/s1600/book1cover%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 154px; height: 200px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5762575967243615666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7f8Vg10_h3I/T_jIT47CPbI/AAAAAAAAA0A/nCJszAR-ThM/s200/book1cover%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div> I am working on the prequel to my series The Two Moons of Rehnor. The prequel series is going to be called Journey to Rehnor and I’m almost done with Book 1 in it. I was going to make it fairly short but right now I’m pushing 50k words so it looks like it’ll be another full length novel. I hope to have this one done within in the next few weeks and hopefully out in e-book sometime in July. The last and final installment in my series The Two Moons of Rehnor is just about ready to go. Hopefully, I’ll be releasing that mid to late June in e-book, July in paperback. All my books are on Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, released through Smashwords to everyone else and paperback too.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Here<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3vhqhAmsHA/T_jH7vguzGI/AAAAAAAAAz0/ZaVuFtwcJf0/s1600/Series%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5762575552400510050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3vhqhAmsHA/T_jH7vguzGI/AAAAAAAAAz0/ZaVuFtwcJf0/s200/Series%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a>’s the link to J. Naomi Ay trailer ;<a href="http://youtu.be/nc6aqOy2nvI">http://youtu.be/nc6aqOy2nvI</a> </div><div> </div><div>Here are the links for her wonderful books;</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007BN8T7K">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007BN8T7K</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007BN8T7K">on.com/-/e/B007BN8T7K</a><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jnaomiay">https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jnaomiay</a> </div><div> </div><div>To get in touch with her;
<br /><a href="http://jnaomiay.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jnaomiay.com</a>
<br /><a href="http://jnaomiay.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jnaomiay.wordpress.com</a>
<br /><a href="http://Facebook.com/jnaomiay">http://Facebook.com/jnaomiay</a></div><div><a href="http://@jnaomiay">http://@jnaomiay</a></div><div> </div><div>For my very funny interview please check out this link;</div><div><a href="http://jnaomiay.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/featured-author-interview-sherri-rabinowitz/">http://jnaomiay.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/featured-author-interview-sherri-rabinowitz/</a></div><div> </div><div>Till next time...</div></div></div></div>
<br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/jVU2ME9yDOQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/07/it-was-honor-to-be-nominated.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-74464290656635196712012-07-01T09:22:00.008-07:002012-07-01T10:50:43.285-07:00New Interview and Thoughts about Writing<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-FJysVVKDo/T_CIqG5gjHI/AAAAAAAAAzE/4UIQMtASGhY/s1600/schrift%2B2_whiteBG.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760254180394568818" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-FJysVVKDo/T_CIqG5gjHI/AAAAAAAAAzE/4UIQMtASGhY/s200/schrift%2B2_whiteBG.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 175px;" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><div><div><br />The passing of Nora Ephron who inspired me to write this blog helped me to decide to write something about writing for fellow writers. Here is the little piece of my own thoughts about finding the time to write; We live in a wild and busy time. Everyone has several fires to put out everyday. When you’re a creative person but you live in the world it is really hard to find the time to write. You have manyimportant things and many priorities. So how do you find the time to work on your writing?<br /><br />For me, it starts when I am the most creative. So I break it down, I write<br />the first draft in the morning when my juices really flow. I type all other<br />drafts when I can fit them in. I usually like to do it in the evening before I<br />start dinner. Those are my two quiet times.<br /><br />I would suggest that you break it down. First, what days do I have some "me<br />time"? Do I have to get up early? Do I need to stay up late? Do I need to hide<br />in the bathroom? Laugh if you like, but I have done that. I would take a pad and<br />pen with me into the bathroom and try to write as much as I could. I used to<br />steal time on my break, at lunch, when ever I could.<br /><br />I know you love to write. I know that it's your passion. The people in your<br />life that love and support you want you to write too. Talk to them. When you get<br />up early or stay up late ask to have a little privacy. There are always times<br />when you won’t be able to do it. That’s life, but you should be on your list of<br />things to do. Don’t knock yourself off. Write.</div><div></div><div>I hope that was a bit helpful :) I wrote my own tribute to Nora on my movie blog both about my admiration for her and how she inspired me to write this blog; <a href="http://rismovieblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/farewell-to-nora-ephron.htmlsmovieblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/farewell-to-nora-ephron.html">http://rismovieblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/farewell-to-nora-ephron.html</a><a href="http://rismovieblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/farewell-to-nora-ephron.html">smovieblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/farewell-to-nora-ephron.html</a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IS-1Kgv0yNE/T_CITV9oEpI/AAAAAAAAAy4/AKvHhka1aGA/s1600/jewel_3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760253789301379730" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IS-1Kgv0yNE/T_CITV9oEpI/AAAAAAAAAy4/AKvHhka1aGA/s200/jewel_3.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 118px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>My new issue of <strong><em><span style="color: blue;">Sherri's Jewel Box</span></em></strong> is out. Its a summer issue with a couple of cute new things that might perk your interest; <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/home/cover-page">https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/home/cover-page</a> .</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br />~And now another great new interview for my new feature trading interviews with my fellow authors. Please welcome Tessa Stokes;</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30XE80fgMvg/T_CHNUBhTHI/AAAAAAAAAys/xq5B4_v9un4/s1600/tessaincastledoorway%2Bcopy%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760252586189999218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30XE80fgMvg/T_CHNUBhTHI/AAAAAAAAAys/xq5B4_v9un4/s200/tessaincastledoorway%2Bcopy%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="float: right; height: 116px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 192px;" /></a></div><div>What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</div><div><br />I no longer have it but it was a book of fairy tales, including the Arabian nights stories. It was huge and had lovely illustrations.</div><div><br />What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</div><div><br />Books I read do not usually have an effect on my writing except occasionally to make me lift my game LOL I read many different genres. I think I read mostly, Science Fiction, Detective series, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary fiction that perhaps you could say was literary fiction, Historical and Contemporary romance.</div><div><br />Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</div><div><br />It was <strong><em><span style="color: blue;">Thomas Hardy's &nbsp;Jude the Obscure</span></em></strong>.</div><div><br />. Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800’s so forth?</div><div><br />Not an era really, single books across all kinds of eras stay in my mind.<strong><em><span style="color: blue;"> F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Hardy, Dickens, William Gibson, Phillip K. Dick.</span></em></strong> Naturally some<span style="color: blue;"><strong><em> Shakespeare</em></strong></span> stays with me, and I really enjoy seeing the plays with modern takes now. </div><div><br />Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</div><div><br />I generally write in a room which has this massive window where I can see the forest and rural fields over the road. It’s very inspirational and changes with the seasons. Sometimes the farmer is out there working in the night with his machinery lit up like a UFO. There are hares, deer, pheasants, all kinds of other birds depending on the time of year.</div><div><br />Do you prefer one genre to another?</div><div><br />As an author I write genre blends. Romance/urban fantasy, Paranormal romance, Contemporary romance with a twist of some kind.</div><div><br />Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</div><div><br />I used adore books in my hand, browsing in bookshops was such a pleasure, but because I have moved so much in my life it became a burden to cart them around. Now I am addicted to my E-reader. I use an iPad right now and it’s so good to have heaps of books on my kindle application without the weight.</div><div><br />Can you tell us about what your working on now? </div><div><br />‘<strong><em><span style="color: blue;">Bartholom</span></em></strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QInUhGtACy8/T_CGt5ymD3I/AAAAAAAAAyg/9PBuItu-4VI/s1600/sevenspellsagasix%2Bcopy%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><strong><em><span style="color: blue;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760252046572130162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QInUhGtACy8/T_CGt5ymD3I/AAAAAAAAAyg/9PBuItu-4VI/s200/sevenspellsagasix%2Bcopy%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span style="color: blue;">ew Pike’s Spell Book: Book Six of The Seven Spell Saga’</span></em></strong><br />Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy (It’s going to be released at the end of June.)<br />Blurb:<br />The three friends and lovers find themselves embroiled in yet another adventure, this time indirectly caused by the time travel portal on the Dearing estate.<br />Tristan and Oliver are both in love with Chloe, and she reciprocates. It seems that just when the days of lovers’ jealousies are over a new twist is added to the love triangle.<br />A young woman seeking out Tristan for help arrives on the Dearing estate; her message is about the young knight Gaston. Gaston is in trouble, held captive, and being tortured. From her accent Oliver and Chloe think she is from another country, little so they know she is from another world.<br />Magic has always followed Tristan Dearing around, his love Chloe has caught the habit, and now so has the lovely Oliver Tarrant.<br />In the attic of Tristan’s reacquired house in the White Witch woods they find a cache of antiques.<br />Already the trio has found their special abilities evolving, and now Oliver, with his affinity with technology suddenly finds himself with as much magic surrounding him as Tristan.<br />In this enchanting continuation of the saga the romance between the characters takes new turns. They find new directions for their lives, which have been so changed over the last three years by their meeting. They settle down to use the special abilities they have received from their blood bond with the enigmatic, immortal knight Tristan Dearing.<br />***<br />I am also working on;<br />Book seven in The Seven Spell Saga, and Book three in The Ruthin trilogy, plus there is another ‘standalone’ I have noted because I really enjoyed writing Stone Kisses and I think once the saga and the trilogy are finished ‘standalones’ will be the way I go for a time.<br /><br />People can reach me online?<br /><a href="http://the-ruthin-trilogy.blogspot.com/">http://the-ruthin-trilogy.blogspot.com/</a><br /><a href="http://tess-three-in-the-morning.blogspot.com/">http://tess-three-in-the-morning.blogspot.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ruthin-Trilogy/160213177399394">http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ruthin-Trilogy/160213177399394</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Seven-Spell-saga/138580806204048">http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Seven-Spell-saga/138580806204048</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/%20/%20!/seventhspell">https://twitter.com/%20/%20!/seventhspell</a><br /><a href="http://www.tessastokes.info/">http://www.tessastokes.info/</a><br />My books are available at,</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008D1TCI4">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008D1TCI4</a><br /><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93926">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93926</a><br /><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/tessa-stokes">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/tessa-stokes</a><br /><a href="http://ebookstore.sony.com/author/tessa-stokes_209056">http://ebookstore.sony.com/author/tessa-stokes_209056</a></div><div></div><div>Thank you Tessa what a great interview!</div><div>Here is my feature on her website, <a href="http://tess-three-in-the-morning.blogspot.com/2012/06/welcome-to-guest-author-sherri.html">http://tess-three-in-the-morning.blogspot.com/2012/06/welcome-to-guest-author-sherri.html</a> .</div><div></div><div>Please don't forget to check out my giveaway on Goodreads!!! <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-inc">http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-inc</a></div><div><br />Very nice new interview with Southern girl; <a href="http://tracykauffman.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz-author.html">http://tracykauffman.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz-author.html</a><a href="http://tracykauffman.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz-author.html">or.html</a> </div><div></div><div>Till next time...</div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/jEHwkfQiebM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/07/passing-of-nora-ephron-who-inspired-me.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-72812344691785146032012-06-21T11:17:00.013-07:002012-06-21T12:10:19.585-07:00Final Count Down for the Global Ebook Awards!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPUsZMIInyI/T-Nt117ZlcI/AAAAAAAAAwE/iD9hO3h3ZqY/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 76px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756565520486340034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPUsZMIInyI/T-Nt117ZlcI/AAAAAAAAAwE/iD9hO3h3ZqY/s200/untitled.bmp" /></a>I have to admit now that it is only a few weeks away I am really nervous about the announcement if my book<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Fantasy Time Inc.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> will make finalist for the Global eBook Awards<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span> I have everything crossed because I would love to be in the final running for my first book award.</span> It's funny because it is really an honor to just be nominated, I thought that was just a silly line but I am so happy to be eligible to be up for the award. Wish me luck!<div> </div><div>Also on<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Goodreads</span></span> I have a new feature on my Author Site, it is a Q and A section. All you have to do is join and ask ; <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/71507-q-a-with-sherri-rabinowitz">http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/71507-q-a-with-sherri-rabinowitz</a></div><div> </div><div>Don't forget to try and get a free copy of my book Fantasy Time Inc on the Goodreads giveaway! Here is the link;<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-inc">http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-inc</a> </div><div> </div><div>Let's Welcome Larissa Hinton for interview about her writing style, reading and new books!<br /></div><div>What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</div><div> </div><div>I remember loving Shel Silverstein's book of poetry (I want to say Where The<br />Sidewalk Ends) and unfortunately I do not own it. I own another book of poetry<br />from him and I love reading it from time to time. </div><div> </div><div>What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</div><div> </div><div>I love to read paranormal romance, fantasy, urban fantasy, graphic novels, romantic suspense and manga books . . . I could continue the list but my recent obsession is Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series! </div><div><br />Absolutely! Since I recently expanded my reading into different genres,<br />my writing has expanded into different genres and I've experimented with<br />different writing styles.</div><div> </div><div> Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Torn by Amanda Hocking definitely left an impact on me emotionally. I had to take a step<br />back and face facts about my life. Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800’s so forth?Not that I can think of on the top of my head. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I use to write in my library when I first started out writing. It was my favorite place,<br />surrounded by all those books and instant references just in case. </div><div> </div><div>Do you prefer one genre to another?</div><div> </div><div>Depends on my mood. Right now I'm definitely want to read historical romance, contemporary romance and paranormal romance (YA and adult).A couple of months ago, I simply wanted a book in my hands to get away from all of the writing. So with time and mood, things change.</div><div> </div><div> Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</div><div> </div><div>That is still to be determined. I am willing to try electronic devices since it seems like my life (not to mention my back and arms) will benefit from using the eReader instead of print books, but I don't know if I prefer one over the other yet. But I am willing to open my mind and see what happens. </div><div> </div><div>Can you tell us about what your working on now? </div><div> </div><div>Absolutely! I'm wrapping up the last edits on my YA paranormal romance called Angel Diaries. </div><div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6u5kXCP9AHw/T-NrGuR1LDI/AAAAAAAAAv0/6aw6Jh06iNQ/s1600/angelofficial%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 134px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756562511955831858" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6u5kXCP9AHw/T-NrGuR1LDI/AAAAAAAAAv0/6aw6Jh06iNQ/s200/angelofficial%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div>Here's the blurb;</div><div> </div><div>Lindsey's life couldn't have been any more ordinary. So, she had two guys<br />fighting over her, a psychic friend and a school dominated by Goths but, other<br />than that, life was good. That is until horrible nightmare start about her mother being<br />ripped apart by a monster changed her life from the inside out. Literally. Her<br />whole world was full of lies. She's not even human. She's an Angel.</div><div> </div><div> Additionally, I'm writing short stories and poetry for Everblossom 2.</div><div> </div><div> Here's a snippet of that blurb:</div><div> </div><div><br />Thirsty for more?<br /><br />Prepare to dig deeper into the afterlife through three more stages from decompose, rebirth then back to regrowth rediscover how the flower lives at night.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everblossom-Short-Poetry-Anthology-ebook/dp/B005H5GKIY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1313954227&amp;sr=1-1">http://www.amazon.com/Everblossom-Short-Poetry-Anthology-ebook/dp/B005H5GKIY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1313954227&amp;sr=1-1</a></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80600">http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80600</a></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everblossom-larissa-hinton/1104907595">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everblossom-larissa-hinton/1104907595</a></div><div> </div><div>Thanks Larissa! Great interview.</div><div> </div><div>Till next time...</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/8jEgOF_Jxa0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/06/final-count-down-for-global-ebook.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-36896853453495162012012-06-08T09:20:00.013-07:002012-06-08T13:27:38.671-07:00Great Giveaway and Tribute to a Personal Hero<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5k4fafE-tU/T9Ivm8HeI1I/AAAAAAAAAuk/CKYfMx8FFOs/s1600/250856_422741934433071_305124875_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751712020124541778" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5k4fafE-tU/T9Ivm8HeI1I/AAAAAAAAAuk/CKYfMx8FFOs/s200/250856_422741934433071_305124875_n.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 94px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br /><div>When I was a kid my father use to read a lot of stories to my Brother and I. He loved stories. When we got older one of the authors he use to tell us stories from was Ray Bradbury. He made it <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joKT7VwUUrg/T9IyHXu4SMI/AAAAAAAAAuw/DAm4n1SnHy8/s1600/521461_422743694432895_246748887_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751714776316659906" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joKT7VwUUrg/T9IyHXu4SMI/AAAAAAAAAuw/DAm4n1SnHy8/s200/521461_422743694432895_246748887_n.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 134px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>so we could understand it but we loved his stories. As I grew older and read his short stories and books I fell in love with his writing all over again. Ray Bradbury passed away Wednesday at 91 years old. He was a hero of mine for many reasons, If you have read my short stories and books you would see his name as one of my favorite writers and an inspiration to me. </div><div></div><div></div><div>Also I was lucky enough to meet him on several occasions. The first was in college. I saw him at CSUN. As you can see from the picture on top he talked about trusting what you love. To chase your dreams, he truly believed that. He also talked about one of&nbsp;his passions, he was full of enthusiasm and passion about Dinosaurs. Yep, Dinosaurs. He was really funny but he meant it, later he did bring a lot of his concepts to life but he talked about his life long passion for them. I was so charmed, I never forgot it. I even reminded him of it years later when I saw him at a Science Fiction Convention, he didn't remember the talk but he laughed and said that it sure sounded like him. He was such a nice man, as well as a genius. The most approachable famous person I had ever met, I will miss him.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijJlV_OveH0/T9IvRkjk8VI/AAAAAAAAAuY/OHqWnoP_4Fw/s1600/FTI2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751711653022724434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijJlV_OveH0/T9IvRkjk8VI/AAAAAAAAAuY/OHqWnoP_4Fw/s200/FTI2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 76px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>I have a giveaway with the great site Goodreads! You will get a signed copy of my book Fantasy Time Inc. So cool! Here is the link; <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-inc">http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27034-fantasy-time-inc</a> .</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqlQi1-XBe8/T9Iq1iwaZWI/AAAAAAAAAtw/sYW6_Tlnumw/s1600/woh%2B%25282%2529.jpg"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lq5-GsNnwGQ/T9IqioTprrI/AAAAAAAAAtk/lmPRU86940Y/s1600/me%2B%25282%2529.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lq5-GsNnwGQ/T9IqioTprrI/AAAAAAAAAtk/lmPRU86940Y/s1600/me%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><div align="left"></div></a><br /><div align="left">I am starting a new series of interviews this time I am trying an exchange with different writers here is my first guest for the series the talented T. M Souders .<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lq5-GsNnwGQ/T9IqioTprrI/AAAAAAAAAtk/lmPRU86940Y/s1600/me%2B%25282%2529.jpg"></a> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5f4PKtq9Y0/T9IrrvDBJgI/AAAAAAAAAuI/TPPsIqk1SII/s1600/me%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751707704469038594" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5f4PKtq9Y0/T9IrrvDBJgI/AAAAAAAAAuI/TPPsIqk1SII/s200/me%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 173px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</div><div><br /><br />The first book? Several things come to mind, but the books that really got me reading were The Girl Talk series (I think they were called). They were middle grade fiction and about a group of four friends. I absolutely loved them. I believe my mother donated them a long time ago, but I so wish I still had them now so I could let my daughter read them when she’s old enough.</div><div><br />What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an effect on your own writing?</div><div><br />I read a myriad of genres, but what really draws me in are character driven novels, where the plot is good, but the focus is on the characters, their interaction, and development. What make a good story, to me, are the emotions the novel evokes. I definitely think my preference has an impact on my writing. I write what I like to read, which is mainly women’s fiction and romance, which are character driven.</div><div><br />Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</div><div><br />Hmm…that’s a hard one, but I would say The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. I hate that that sounds like such a commercial answer, but the topic of Alzheimer’s hits home for me, so the book was particularly emotional.</div><div><br />Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800’s so forth?</div><div><br />Not really. I love historical fiction as well as novels set in present day. No one era draws me in more than the others, but I do love learning something new about time and place in a novel.</div><div><br />Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</div><div><br />Ha! I write everywhere, which is why I insist on having a laptop to carry around. Once, I even took taken my two young children for a car ride so they’d fall asleep, and I wrote with the car running, hunkered down behind the steering wheel. </div><div><br />Do you prefer one genre to another?</div><div><br />I have a very eclectic taste in books. I read everything from literary fiction, women’s fiction, romance, to mysteries and young adult. I would say I most frequently read women’s fiction and romance though.</div><div><br />Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</div><div><br />I love a real book, but have to say that if someone gave me a copy of the same book in paperback and on my Kindle, I would turn to my Kindle. I love it! Still though, there’s something nostalgic about a tangible book that no eReader can replace.</div><div><br />Can you tell us about what your working on now?</div><div><br />I just finished a y<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrxmmaEDgbo/T9IrQwHmfqI/AAAAAAAAAt8/J_RIju4izP0/s1600/woh%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751707240900230818" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrxmmaEDgbo/T9IrQwHmfqI/AAAAAAAAAt8/J_RIju4izP0/s200/woh%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 131px;" /></a>oung adult/crossover novel, which is waiting for editing. The title is Freedom Road. Here’s the basic premise: a coming of age story and family drama, about an eighteen year old girl, with a dream to play guitar at Julliard. In a single moment, all her dreams are shattered when her father severs her left ring finger, and she must pull herself up by her bootstraps and relearn how to play the guitar with one missing digit. Or be destined to give up her dreams forever.</div><div><br />In the meantime, I have started plotting my next project, which will be a romance.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Thanks so much for your great interview if you would like to buy her book please click the below link. </div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Waiting-On-Hope-T-M-Souders/dp/1463721013">http://www.amazon.com/Waiting-On-Hope-T-M-Souders/dp/1463721013</a></div><div></div><div>Here is the link to my feature on her great site; The Cheap Kindle Daily;</div><div><a href="http://cheapkindledaily.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/todays-featured-read-167/">http://cheapkindledaily.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/todays-featured-read-167/</a></div><div></div><div>Till Next Time...</div></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/j2U8X7swUNg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/06/great-giveaway-and-tribute-to-personal.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-22480625141029469892012-05-23T13:47:00.000-07:002012-05-23T13:47:59.704-07:00Fantasy Time Inc is Nominated!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyRWczVSWPQ/T707J2lzwZI/AAAAAAAAAsY/tYpCsiLV2E0/s1600/GeBA_Sticker-Nominated-GOLD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyRWczVSWPQ/T707J2lzwZI/AAAAAAAAAsY/tYpCsiLV2E0/s200/GeBA_Sticker-Nominated-GOLD.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My novel Fantasy Time Inc. has been nominated for a writing award. How sweet is that? You know how people say it is a honor just to be nominated? Well for the first time I understand that. It is.&nbsp; I have been nominated from the Global eBook Awards in the category&nbsp;of speculative contemporary fantasy fiction, and I am in competition with four other books. I am very excited and can't wait to see if I am one of the finalists. I will know next month, I will let you know when I do. Here is my page on the nomination list; <a href="http://globalebookawards.com/fiction-nominees/speculative-contemporary-fantasy-fiction/fantasy-time-inc-by-sherri-rabinowitz/">http://globalebookawards.com/fiction-nominees/speculative-contemporary-fantasy-fiction/fantasy-time-inc-by-sherri-rabinowitz/</a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks-DiBMIp0o/TDKMV48NvxI/AAAAAAAAABA/c06vi2648pE/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks-DiBMIp0o/TDKMV48NvxI/AAAAAAAAABA/c06vi2648pE/s200/cover.jpg" width="132" /></a><br /><br /><br />I had a great interview about my book with Judith Marshall&nbsp;on her blog called <span style="color: blue;">Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever</span>. Cool name, huh? She does interviews of fellow authors and she asked some really different and interesting questions. Here is the link; <a href="http://judithmarshall.net/guest-author-interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz/">http://judithmarshall.net/guest-author-interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz/</a> .<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a very different and personal article I wrote for <span style="color: blue;">Selfgrowth.com</span>. It is about taking a risk and creating a life that I really wanted. How I took a chance and chased my bliss, I am still chasing it but&nbsp;that makes it&nbsp;a great adventure,. Here it is, let me know what you think. <a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/creating-your-own-reality">http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/creating-your-own-reality</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-W7yrFVNuI/Tfu37XsSqHI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/YB7KlyapvAg/s1600/jewel_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-W7yrFVNuI/Tfu37XsSqHI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/YB7KlyapvAg/s200/jewel_3.jpg" width="116" /></a></div>And now for something completely different, this an article I wrote for Working Writer. It is about the chaos I put myself through at the begining of the year. I had been wanting to create a website that would feature all the writing I do in one site. As I was working on the website I fell in love with the look of it, so I decided I would revamp my whole Jewel e-magazine.&nbsp; Sadly I did it at the same time, which created a truly insane period because I had also just moved to San Diego so I was&nbsp;handling all the wonders of moving in with creating two websites. Nuts right? Here is the article; <a href="http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2012/05/23/the-tale-of-two-projects/">http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2012/05/23/the-tale-of-two-projects/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I am very excited about my next interview because it is very different. This is a reviewer and a lover of books. She interviewed me for my book Fantasy Time Inc. <a href="http://vampirekiss1967.blogspot.com/2012/04/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz.html?spref=tw">http://vampirekiss1967.blogspot.com/2012/04/interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz.html?spref=tw</a> and I thought it would be interesting to interview her. I also thought it would give writers a chance to hear about a reviewer and interviewer from their point of view. <br /><br />So lets give a warm welcome to <strong><em>Eva&nbsp;</em></strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><em> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coppersmith from Eva's Sancturary</span></em></strong>;</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9iWS-WvZBc/T71G-iYgJMI/AAAAAAAAAsk/DUZeBRB8ZTc/s1600/IMG_0760+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9iWS-WvZBc/T71G-iYgJMI/AAAAAAAAAsk/DUZeBRB8ZTc/s320/IMG_0760+(2).jpg" width="239" /></a></div>What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?<br /><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I have always loved to read even as a child. I have loved many books; but the one that sticks in my mind the most is <span style="color: blue;">Outlander by Diana Gabaldon</span>. A friend of mine loaned me her copy in 1994 when I was going for surgery. I loved it so much, I had to buy my own copy and all the rest of the series that was available at the time. I still have all of the books and also bought the anniversary edition of Outlander and the UK edition called Cross Stitch when we visited Scotland last year.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;What kind of books do you like to read?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> My absolute favorite is romance, especially vampire romance; but my tastes have broadened considerably since I started reviewing. I read just about everything now, but I always go back to romance.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I have to say <span style="color: blue;">Outlander</span> again. It touched me on so many different levels and so many emotions came forth when I was reading it. Of course, like so many women out there, I fell head over heels in love with Jamie Fraser in the story. I was so in love with that book and Jamie, I told my husband he had to take me to Scotland for our fifteenth wedding anniversary. Bless him, he did and I fell in love with the country. I tried my best to find Jamie there; but sorry to say, I had no luck. I had planned on sticking him in my suitcase to bring home.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920's, 1800’s so forth?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I would say the 17 and 1800's. I love the historical eras the best. I often tell my husband I was born in the wrong time. Of course, I don't think I would like to give up my modern conveniences and I would not easily let a man tell me what I had to do.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><br /><div>&nbsp;What is your procedure when you review a book?</div><br /><div>I am mostly contacted by email but I have had a few authors contact me on FB, twitter and linkedin. I really don't care how they contact me. I just want to know about the book. I check it out to make sure it is legit and then I will contact back if I am willing to review the book. I tell them about how long it will be and let the author decide if they are willing to wait. If so, I only request the book. I accept any format because I have three kindles and an IPad. I always accept hard copy too. When I have finished the book, I notify the author and I post all over the internet including FB, twitter, google+, linkedin, and numerous book sites plus specialty book sites if they are applicable such as Amish Living. I will also post on amazon and smashwords if asked.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>&nbsp;Do you prefer one genre to another?</div><br /><div>Not really. As I said earlier, I have branched out with my reading since I started my blog. I just don't do poetry because it has never been a strong area of mine. I also don't do self-help books, cooking, gardening, that type of thing. I don't know enough about that type of thing to give an honest opinion one way or the other.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>&nbsp;Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</div><br /><div>You would think with four electronic readers I would say ebooks; but no, I much prefer a hard book. I say I have a love affair with books. I love to feel them, turn the pages, and I love the smell of them. You just can't get that with with an ebook. My electronic reader collection is my obsession with toys. It is also the most economical for authors and publishers to share their files in this day and age. Most of what I buy is hard copy. I like autographed books so I get those as much as I can.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>&nbsp;Can you tell us where we can find your reviews?</div><br /><div id="yui_3_2_0_18_133780415815689" style="right: auto;">My blog is Eva's Sanctuary at<a href="http://vampirekiss1967.blogspot.com/"> http://vampirekiss1967.blogspot.com/</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zieg69OGME0/T71HYPd7-XI/AAAAAAAAAss/IIfj4qiE-tU/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zieg69OGME0/T71HYPd7-XI/AAAAAAAAAss/IIfj4qiE-tU/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div id="yui_3_2_0_18_133780415815687" style="font-family: times, serif; right: auto;">Thank you so much Eva for a great interview, it as great!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: times, serif; right: auto;"></div><div style="font-family: times, serif; right: auto;">I have more exciting stuff coming your way, stay tuned....</div><div style="font-family: times, serif; right: auto;"></div><div style="font-family: times, serif; right: auto;">Till Next Time....</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/kgprWP10O_Q" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com4http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/05/fantasy-time-inc-is-nominated.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-81262560453649012732012-04-20T13:23:00.000-07:002012-04-20T13:23:10.947-07:00My New Website!!!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J08N5KtFSsw/T5G5p-gNg1I/AAAAAAAAAo0/doTYWgTXb8c/s1600/schrift+3%5B1%5D.+red+whiteBG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J08N5KtFSsw/T5G5p-gNg1I/AAAAAAAAAo0/doTYWgTXb8c/s200/schrift+3%5B1%5D.+red+whiteBG.jpg" width="200" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am very excited to announce that I have a new website. It is all about my writing it is a place where I can join everything that is happening. It is a place that you will be able to see everything I do. My blogs, fan fiction, books and articles. I have been working on this site for over a year so I hope everyone loves it as much as I do. Here is the site; <a href="http://www.rithebard.com/default.html">http://www.rithebard.com/default.html&nbsp;</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Please check it out and let me know what you think, I am pretty excited about it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My new issue of Sherri's Jewel Box is has come out. It is a completely revamped issue. I have changed the structure, color scheme everything. On top of that I have a great featured artist Faria. She has beautiful pieces that I am very excited about. Plus another fascinating article by Lisa about Jade. Such a great issue. please take a look; <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/home/cover-page%20">http://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/home/cover-page</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My Virtual Tour is coming up again. I am doing the first one using conference technology.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULJEjsWQDQE/T5G5P6DkUeI/AAAAAAAAAok/eu5A6L55Rc0/s1600/297965_243426375697962_100000918054745_752555_5400766_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULJEjsWQDQE/T5G5P6DkUeI/AAAAAAAAAok/eu5A6L55Rc0/s1600/297965_243426375697962_100000918054745_752555_5400766_a.jpg" /></a>So you will be able to join me both on the computer and telephone to hear and see everything. It is very exciting. I can't wait to chat with everyone and actually hear every one's voices. So Cool. It will be on April 24th at 6p. Please join us here is the link; <a href="http://www.anymeeting.com/WebConference/default.aspx?ip_ek=rithebard1">http://www.anymeeting.com/WebConference/default.aspx?ip_ek=rithebard1</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the phone number and the code for those who will log in on the phone. Call Number: Toll Number: (512) 400-4809 | Attendee Access Code: 270 1436. For two lucky listeners there will be a special prize. Don't miss out!!!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LescisXzvrY/T5G5T0sC-HI/AAAAAAAAAos/oph6PpoPYmU/s1600/313380_273757095998223_100000918054745_855725_1748917024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LescisXzvrY/T5G5T0sC-HI/AAAAAAAAAos/oph6PpoPYmU/s320/313380_273757095998223_100000918054745_855725_1748917024_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:3}">I am starting a reading group, Please check out; <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Risbooklovers/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>Risbooklovers/</a> .&nbsp; </span>I'd love a wide variety of books that the members like. So come join our group and then vote for your favorite book. I am open to almost every kind of book but guess who picks the winner? Also there will be a special prize for the winner of the book chosen. So please join and have fun!<br /><br />Last but not least I created an author page on Amazon that hooks onto this blog and will keep you up to date on what is happening with all my writing!&nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc-ebook/dp/B006BFWSNA/ref=ntt_at_ep_edition_2_1?ie=UTF8&amp;m=AG56TWVU5XWC2">http://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc-ebook/dp/B006BFWSNA/ref=ntt_at_ep_edition_2_1?ie=UTF8&amp;m=AG56TWVU5XWC2</a><br /><br />I have several new surprises that are coming up that I can't release yet. As I can I will update you on this page. I will also keep everyone up to date on my new website.&nbsp;<br /><br />I did not include an interview this time because the two authors are not ready yet. Next time you will get a wonderful new interview with a fellow author.<br /><br />Till next time :)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/kJ_ETFfsYjY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-new-website.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-38050040263250506072012-02-23T16:18:00.068-08:002012-02-23T20:23:01.359-08:00Welcome to the World of Kindle!I wonder what Jane Austen would think of the modern world. For her time she was a quite a forward thinker but I really wonder how she would react as a writer. Would she be on Twitter? Would she be on Match.com? How would she react to e-books? Most of all how would she deal with how people are today? I wrote a little guest blog about just such a subject; <a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/2012/01/guestpost-sherry-rabinowitz-we-need.html">http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/2012/01/guestpost-sherry-rabinowitz-we-need.html</a><br /><span id="formatbar_Buttons" style="DISPLAY: block"><span class="" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" style="DISPLAY: block"><img class="gl_link" alt="Link" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" /></span></span><br /><br />A lovely fellow writer who I interviewed in this blog, she reviewed my book Fantasy Time Inc. She is a wonderful writer I loved her book, and she wrote a great review of my novel. Here it is; <a href="http://sarahsreadings.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/fantasy-time-inc-by-sherri-rabinowitz/">http://sarahsreadings.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/fantasy-time-inc-by-sherri-rabinowitz/</a>. Let me know what you think of it.<br /><br />I am so excited th<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZSuSpPbC1c/T0cGbrTN4RI/AAAAAAAAAjs/mz5Wthiu3H8/s1600/281632_233774979996435_100000918054745_721640_1901884_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712541724892324114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZSuSpPbC1c/T0cGbrTN4RI/AAAAAAAAAjs/mz5Wthiu3H8/s200/281632_233774979996435_100000918054745_721640_1901884_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>at my book is on Kindle, it has brought about many exciting events. And there are more on the way. Keep your eyes glued to this blog for updates. I am going to have another virtual tour. It will be next month. I can't sign your book through the computer (yet!) but I can answer all your questions and it will be an evening of fun and prizes. I will let you know what date and time as soon as it is all set.<br /><br />Working writer interviewed me on the difference between an e-book and a brick and mortar store. Its a great interview about how different it is to come out on Kindle. Here is the interview, <a href="http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/12/28/when-a-book-comes-out-in-ebook-interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz/">http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/12/28/when-a-book-comes-out-in-ebook-interview-with-sherri-rabinowitz/</a> , let me know what you think of it? Do you agree?<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RpxycZOJsg/T0cGupsFhPI/AAAAAAAAAj4/ub2jZlmz7hk/s1600/297965_243426375697962_100000918054745_752555_5400766_a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712542050877277426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RpxycZOJsg/T0cGupsFhPI/AAAAAAAAAj4/ub2jZlmz7hk/s200/297965_243426375697962_100000918054745_752555_5400766_a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Now here is the Piece-De-Resistance! My first live interview. It's an audio podcast and it was live. Wow! I was excited and scared at the same time. My voice going out to everyone with out any filter. I felt like Peter O'Toole in My Favorite Year. "I'm not an actor, I'm a movie star!!!" Well it doesn't quite fit the situation but it was my first thought when I even thought of approaching the subject. I am a trained actress and I thought I should be able handle it. Here we go, listen to it and let me know what you think; <a href="http://www.wisebearbooks.com/2012/02/08/podcast-sherri-rabinowitz/">http://www.wisebearbooks.com/2012/02/08/podcast-sherri-rabinowitz/</a> .<br /><br />And just to put the cherry on the cake, Quinn Barrett a talented author in her own right who interviewed me on the podcast agreed to my interviewing her. Kind of cool, huh? So here with out further ado, Here's Quinn!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZPCvMvAkyU/T0cFY-1wnOI/AAAAAAAAAjU/QeOFTYfcf1M/s1600/276190_100002201768540_4651757_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712540579086245090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZPCvMvAkyU/T0cFY-1wnOI/AAAAAAAAAjU/QeOFTYfcf1M/s200/276190_100002201768540_4651757_n.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own i</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">t?</span><br /><br />The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I don't know that I ever owned it, but I read them in school and repeatedly checked them out from the library.<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span><br /><br /><br />I like what I write about...family dramas, general and women's fiction with elements of suspense.<br />I also like select science fiction and YA series such as The Hunger Games.<br /><span id="formatbar_Buttons" style="DISPLAY: block"><span class=" down" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" style="DISPLAY: block"><img class="gl_link" alt="Link" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" /></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span><br /><br />I hate to sound like a cliche', but I'd have to go with To Kill A Mocking Bird. And then to follow up with the movie, Gregory Peck was pure brilliance as Atticus Finch.<br /><br />Harper Lee's novel is as important today as it was in it's time. Can you imagine writing something so incredible so early in your writing career? How could you ever possible top that work?<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</span><br /><br />I used to think I did-in my home office, but I've discovered recently that there really isn't a perfect place for me. Writing is more of a discipline of just sitting down and doing it. I'm trying to teach myself to focus regardless of location.<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Do you prefer one genre to another?</span><br /><br /><br />I just like good books. Interesting characters are the most important element of a book to me. I also like a good twist at the end-especially if I don't see it coming.<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic devise?</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QA3CgzQIPHs/T0cFxIBiHfI/AAAAAAAAAjg/Y6NluTbHJXs/s1600/216818_113306355419423_100002201768540_132948_6654958_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712540993868406258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QA3CgzQIPHs/T0cFxIBiHfI/AAAAAAAAAjg/Y6NluTbHJXs/s200/216818_113306355419423_100002201768540_132948_6654958_n.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love my Kindle. I love my Nook. I love my iPad. I love taking my library wherever I go.<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span><br /><br />I'm working on an untitled sequel to my first novel, Invisible Snow. I'm outlining a couple other new book ideas as well.<br /><br />I also host a weekly podcast on Blog Talk Radio called The Wise Bear Books... All Things Digital Media Podcast.<br /><br />*** *** ***<br /><br /><br />Thank you Quinn for allowing new authors a chance to get you there and talk about our books.<br />We appreciate it:)<br /><br />Till next time...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/WBM4weQZqSI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2012/02/welcome-to-world-of-kindle.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-5780417815472147612011-12-16T20:03:00.000-08:002011-12-17T08:48:00.000-08:00Lets Start the New Year with a Thank You.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLCFBw9b-r4/TuwlQjFJvfI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/xyZ0UeI0cKA/s1600/schrift%2B3.%2Bred%2BwhiteBG.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686961395687079410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLCFBw9b-r4/TuwlQjFJvfI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/xyZ0UeI0cKA/s200/schrift%2B3.%2Bred%2BwhiteBG.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>I am going to start my blog a bit differently, with an explantion and a request.<br /><br /></strong>I'm not sure how you feel about the way modern people love to tear each other apart, but I hate it. From reality shows to talk shows to the comment sections on different sites. Cruel remarks just fly everywhere. Why? I have heard that it was because it is a tough time and the Internet is anonymous, is this the reason? No, people have become more and more mean spirited in the last 10 years. So what is it?<br /><br />I am not talking about constructive criticism, I mean calling people names and saying nasty things about peoples abilities that really have nothing to do with what they saw or read. Is the only way to build up your self esteem is to drag others down. I think we are better then this. I think we should grow up and stop acting like a lot of spoiled children in the sandbox fighting over a toy. I believe that deep down people are good. When we have a natural disaster it comes out, so why not a financial one?<br /><br />I guess what I am saying is, that since it is the holidays, and we are looking at a new year around the corner, lets try to be nice to each other. Instead of writing a resolution to lose weight, why don't we write one to be kind.<br /><br />So lets start now. I want to thank everyone who reads my blogs, stories, articles and books. I want to thank everyone I have met through these blogs and have become friends with and that are now a part of my life. I want to thank everyone who left a kind comment and made me feel like I am doing something good and helpful in the world.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Now back to my normal writing blog:)<br /><br /></strong>I wrote an article that seems to be a bit more controversial then I meant it to be. It is about my reaction to everyone thinking it is easy to be a writer. The above note was because I got some wonderful reaction, some constructive criticism and some down right mean notes. The last really hurt, so I decided to express myself again here to tell you why. Here it is, let me know what you think but keep it constructive; <a href="http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/11/23/everyone%e2%80%99s-a-writer/">http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/11/23/everyone%e2%80%99s-a-writer/</a> . </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MarfBdAJK0Q/Tuwle7ZKxjI/AAAAAAAAAgc/rSxhneQ86Bw/s1600/schrift%2B2_whiteBG.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 175px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686961642731652658" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MarfBdAJK0Q/Tuwle7ZKxjI/AAAAAAAAAgc/rSxhneQ86Bw/s200/schrift%2B2_whiteBG.jpg" /></a><br />The new issue of my e-magazine <span style="color:#3333ff;">Sherri's Jewel Box</span> is out. This issue is very important to me because I finally got my Mom to contribute to it. She has made jewels for years, they are beautiful and unique. The issue is full of beautiful engagement rings and an article that designer Lisa Lichty called <span style="color:#3333ff;">Tying the Knot</span>. It is a fun and special issue, here is the link; <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/home/cover-page">https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/home/cover-page</a> . </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br />A very cool thing is that my book is now on Kindle at Amazon at<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAltz6IkRRM/TuwluW5zuSI/AAAAAAAAAgo/LOmhklz3sbg/s1600/FTI2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 76px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686961907814349090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAltz6IkRRM/TuwluW5zuSI/AAAAAAAAAgo/LOmhklz3sbg/s200/FTI2.jpg" /></a> a great low price of 1.50. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc-ebook/dp/B006BFWSNA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322182434&amp;sr=1-1">http://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc-ebook/dp/B006BFWSNA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322182434&amp;sr=1-1</a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br />Last but not least is my cute and silly little Xena story. It was inspired by the Rachel Zoe show. It is a pure tribute to both Rachel and Xena. I love them both so it is pure love. <a href="http://www.academyofbards.org/fanfic/r/ri_rescueinzoess.html">http://www.academyofbards.org/fanfic/r/ri_rescueinzoess.html</a> . </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Here is an interview with teen and young adult writer Martin King;<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Wind in the Willows</span> by Kenneth Grahame. Yes, I still have it. I have just taken it of the shelf. I bought it when I was in year five at school (about 7) and it cost 0.45p in English money.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br />I love reading teen/young adult. It is hard to say because I have a million of my stories to tell and I've developed my own style.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span><br /><br />I'd be lying if I did.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Where do you like to write? is there a favorite nook or corner? </span><br /><br /><br />I just go upstairs and sit in my office. The views of the window are pretty incredible so it is perfect really.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you prefer one genre to another?</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><br />To write or read? I love fantasy. Anything where someone stumbles across another world.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic devises?</span><br /><br /><br />I think electronic is brilliant for so many reasons, but you still can't beat the feel of a book. And would I be able to pull an electronic book off the shelf I've had for forty years and have the same affection... I can't see it to be honest.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFiA6WsVzSA/TuwmWoHmzoI/AAAAAAAAAg0/fAn9TgiKO2I/s1600/51ULuK7PKDL__BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4%252CBottomRight%252C-34%252C22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686962599630392962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFiA6WsVzSA/TuwmWoHmzoI/AAAAAAAAAg0/fAn9TgiKO2I/s200/51ULuK7PKDL__BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4%252CBottomRight%252C-34%252C22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I'm just finishing off a book called <span style="color:#cc33cc;">The Bully Hunters</span>. It is a really quirky story that one could best describe as a sort of Roald Dahl type story. It is where bully's end up...whoops! I think I've told you too much already. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br />Thank you Martin, your new story sounds interesting I can't wait to read it :)<br /><br /><br />Till Next Time. </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/tjL0KufgdjY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/12/lets-start-new-year-with-thank-you.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-20215507435301301522011-10-02T15:06:00.000-07:002011-10-07T19:28:13.434-07:00New Issue Of Sherri's Jewel Box!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsnlCbYsRwo/Tojw-XPwtjI/AAAAAAAAAe0/H4rbarFhfH0/s1600/gold%252520trifari%252520necklace%2525202%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659037885973706290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsnlCbYsRwo/Tojw-XPwtjI/AAAAAAAAAe0/H4rbarFhfH0/s200/gold%252520trifari%252520necklace%2525202%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>I am very excited to announce the second issue of my magazine Sherri's Jewel Box. This issue is really special. It has the beautiful jewels of Dyanna San Jewelry. It is an issue that is full of beauty and a new understanding about how the people who create and sell them. Take a look; <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/home">https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/home</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Just in case everyone missed this wonderful review of my <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxqTAkeoiAw/Tojwm5CbP0I/AAAAAAAAAek/yCbVqbUfIjg/s1600/cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659037482727718722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxqTAkeoiAw/Tojwm5CbP0I/AAAAAAAAAek/yCbVqbUfIjg/s200/cover.jpg" /></a>novel Fantasy Time Inc. ; <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc/Sherri-Rabinowitz/e/9781432758110?r=1">http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc/Sherri-Rabinowitz/e/9781432758110?r=1</a> . Please take a look one more time at my amazing review in Valley Magazine; <a href="http://www.valleyscenemagazine.com/archives/july82011/book/">http://www.valleyscenemagazine.com/archives/july82011/book/</a> . </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Just a note to the wise my publisher has a great deal for my the e-book version of Fantasy Time inc just 5.00. So you go to the the site; <a href="http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432758110">http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432758110</a> and get my book at a great price and use your e-book device. Just think you can be sitting waiting for your car to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">smogged</span></span> and read about 1800's or the 1920's. Enjoy. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Please welcome to Sarah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Baethge</span></span>, who has joined us to chat about her new book; <span style="color:#ff0000;">The Speed of Darkness;</span> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I remember getting and loving a copy of <span style="color:#ff0000;">Black Beauty</span> with a fancy artistic cover for Christmas one year and I read it several times. I've moved several times since then, and I guess you could say grown up so I have no idea where that copy is or if it even still exists. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I like to read science fiction, fantasy, detective stories, and lawyer books. I've even read non-fiction sometimes, so I guess you could call me a fan of anything. I think every part of my life does something to inspire the thoughts I have while writing, so there is really no way they couldn't. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I don't know about touched deeply, but I kept a copy of <span style="color:#ff0000;">Jurassic Park</span> under my bed and read it countless times when I had nothing better to do. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920's, 1800's so forth?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />Most of what I've read is modern, 1990's-now.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</span><br /><br />I have a computer on the desk in the corner of my bedroom. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you prefer on genre to another?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I mainly like science fiction or modern fantasy. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic devises?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I like my kindle <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Mh_2hkEY4c/TojwB20cJGI/AAAAAAAAAec/IuFHQbn2H1Q/s1600/cover%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 142px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659036846477026402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Mh_2hkEY4c/TojwB20cJGI/AAAAAAAAAec/IuFHQbn2H1Q/s200/cover%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span></span> it allows me to carry a full library of what I may like to read in a space no larger than a thin paperback. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />Currently I'm looking for ways to sell my short novel <span style="color:#cc0000;">The Speed of Darkness </span><span style="color:#000000;">at Amazon; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Speed-of-Darkness-ebook/dp/B005LA82R2">http://www.amazon.com/The-Speed-of-Darkness-ebook/dp/B005LA82R2</a> or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Smashwords</span></span>: <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/88625">http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/88625</a> .</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you so much Sarah for you wonderful interview, I'm sure we will all be fascinated by your novel. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Till next time:) </div></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/klJCmoRIw7o" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-issue-of-sherris-jewel-box.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-26783982173744747012011-09-06T10:51:00.000-07:002011-09-29T18:38:21.175-07:00Amazing Things Coming!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QiKsp9J3iM/TmaVVh_PaoI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/kD72ma5lA_A/s1600/IMG_9195%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649366979716278914" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QiKsp9J3iM/TmaVVh_PaoI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/kD72ma5lA_A/s200/IMG_9195%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br />I am working on a lot right now, I am hoping to meet as many of you as possible. I have two events that I am really excited about that are coming up this month.<br /><br /><br />The first one is Encino Life Stories for Fun and Profit! It is under the Meetup where people get to meet and mingle locally in each city. I have two meet ups happening under the group. The first one will be on Monday Sept. 12, 2011 at 12p and the second one is on Saturday Sept 17Th at 2pm. I have always loved to teach, I think I am by nature a teacher. So I am so looking forward to teaching people to bring there life out for other people to touch. Here is the link;<a href="http://www.meetup.com/Encino-Life-Stories-for-fun-and-profit/">http://www.meetup.com/Encino-Life-Stories-for-fun-and-profit/</a> .<br /><br /><br />The other event will happen at the end of the month, it is A Live Book Reading. It will be on Sept 24Th at 8pm est and 5pm PST. I will get to read a new selection of my novel Fantasy Time Inc. I am so excited, its not my first reading but it is my first this way. I think this new technology. So cool! You may listen via the Internet by clicking here; Audience Log-in URL;<a href="http://www.anymeeting.com/TheElements1">http://www.anymeeting.com/TheElements1</a>or you may listen by phone by dialing 512-400-4809 and entering pin# 1126718. Get in touch with me via my email and let me know if you can take part. I will have the host send you an invite. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><em>This event was canceled due to the bad weather on the east coast. I will let you know when it will happen. I am sorry for anyone who tried to connect, I didn't know till the day before.</em></strong><br /><br /><br /></span>I am working on several things; a memoir, my new novel, a play and three other really great special projects. Everything is on track and so exciting I will keep you all up on the stuff as things are ready to be revealed.<br /><br /><br />My <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ilizaNbO5s/TmaTyoF6CrI/AAAAAAAAAYY/qWUXY2JD2NM/s1600/Charles%252520S.%252520Weinblatt%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 107px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649365280547801778" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ilizaNbO5s/TmaTyoF6CrI/AAAAAAAAAYY/qWUXY2JD2NM/s200/Charles%252520S.%252520Weinblatt%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a>interview this blog is with Charles S. Weinblatt, he is the author of <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Jacob's Courag<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGovQjTUd64/TmaVJsv3EyI/AAAAAAAAAZA/jGdGWQHQREI/s1600/Front%252520Cover-Jacob%2527s%252520Courage%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649366776446128930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGovQjTUd64/TmaVJsv3EyI/AAAAAAAAAZA/jGdGWQHQREI/s200/Front%252520Cover-Jacob%2527s%252520Courage%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a>e</span>. So everyone give him a warm welcome.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br />Rather than a singular book, my collection of the stories of Edgar Allen Poe presented some thrilling reading when I was an adolescent. Poe, a daring and original writer for his time, was the Stephen King of the 19Th Century. His morbid preoccupations and dramatic ambiance set the mood and atmosphere of each story. Poe's influence on short-story writing is nothing less than spectacular. <span style="color:#cc33cc;">The Telltale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum</span> were seminal works for his age and genre. Poe's preoccupation with death overshadowed everything in his life, especially his writing. In today's world, he would have been bigger than King. Poe also wrote science fiction and poetry. I consider <span style="color:#cc33cc;">The Mask of Red Death, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Murders in the Rue Morgue and The Oblong Box</span> to be absolute classics.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an effect on your own writing?</span><br /><br /><br />I am an eclectic reader. At any given point in time, I am reading at least one non-fiction and one fiction book. Because I am a book reviewer, I tend to receive certain genres. The New York Journal of Books, apparently considers me their Jewish/Holocaust reviewer. I've probably reviewed almost a dozen such book in the past two years (<a href="http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/reviewer/charles-weinblatt">http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/reviewer/charles-weinblatt</a> ) I enjoy them and I am considering writing another fictional Holocaust account.<br /><br /><br />But my favorite genres are science fiction and horror fiction. I also enjoy non-fiction history, including Antebellum America and books about Abraham Lincoln. These books generally do not have an effect upon my writing. But I certainly can say that James Michener and Herman Wouk (<span style="color:#cc33cc;">The Winds of War, War &amp; Remembrance</span>) have influenced my style. Their attention to detail, evocative descriptions and flowing dialog make them tremendous authors.<br /><br /><br />My Holocaust novel is grounded in the same basic theme offered consistently by Michener. My fictional characters, who are young lovers, walk through real historical scenes. A newspaper editor called <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Jacob's Courage</span>, <span style="color:#cc33cc;">The Forrest Gump of the Holocaust</span>, because my characters walk through critically-important historical events. The reader not only has a thrilling, suspenseful love story, but also learns about the details of history. The only downside to this is the amount of research required to make the novel accurate. I devoted about three years of daily research to <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Jacob's Courage</span>. Some days, research was all that I accomplished. But in the end I believe that readers deserve and prefer accurate historical fiction.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br />The first book that really moved was <span style="color:#cc33cc;">The Source</span> by James Michener. Michener presents the results of a highly successful archaeological dig in Israel to a city that existed in ancient times. He tells a singular story of the history of the Jewish people, offering the reader a unique perspective on the Jewish struggle for survival over the past two thousand years. We follow extremely well-developed characters and their progeny through the centuries of historical events. Thus Michener presents the story of the Jewish people, told through wonderful characters and amazing circumstances. It's so powerful that some people consider it a life-altering event. When I write historical fiction, I think of Michener. I try to fabricate compelling characters and place them into historically accurate circumstances. Thus the reader not only enjoys a thrilling book, but also learns something new about history. And yes, I still have and treasure that hardcover book.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Is there an era of writing that effects you? 1920's, 1800's so forth?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br />I prefer contemporary writing, especially science fiction and historical fiction. I find the direct style and fearless atmosphere exciting and thought-provoking. Of course, Poe was a 19Th-Century writer and I enjoy his writing. But, I think many of us would agree that Poe's style was ahead of his time. One of the challenges of writing a book in a different period is the effective use of dialog. The author must use words, terms, expressions and slang of that specific time and place, in order to be truthful to the characters and to create realistic ambiance. I discovered that this slowed me down when I was writing <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Jacob's Courage. </span><span style="color:black;">Thus, writing about something in the contemporary world is easier.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br />Our house is perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a wooded ravine filled with amazing flora and fauna. On a regular basis deer stroll outside of our windows. We also have a very diverse and fascinating variety of birds that frequent the feeders directly outside our large windows. Our family room is a perfect vantage point on this magnificent display of nature. With a two-story vaulted ceiling, huge skylight and glass doors and windows overlooking the ravine, this room is bright, expansive and enticing. Despite the occasional distraction of a hummingbird, deer, groundhog, squirrel or fox. I find this atmosphere conductive to writing.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you prefer one genre to another?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br />My favorite genre is science fiction. My second favorite is horror-fiction. I find myself attracted to dystopian novels, especially within those two genres. I also enjoy non-fiction history. I don't normally read much juvenile fiction, although I published a children's book early this year. My Holocaust novel is primarily for adults; but as a coming-of-age love story it certainly fits into the YA genre. I'd have to say that there is no particular genre that I dislike. That being said, I don't read many western, business books or non-fiction travel. I also enjoy graphic novels (especially sci-fi), biographical and military non-fiction and horror fiction, especially supernatural.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic devises?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br />A few years ago, e-books were a dream. Today, they comprise about 21% of all sales. I expect that figure to rise exponentially in the near future. In general, I prefer printed books. However, I have read many books on my laptop, including PDF versions and Kindle books. I have an open mind about e-readers and I make sure that all my books exist in the formats for all e-readers, tablets and smart phones. However, I believe that some books lend themselves much better to hardcover print, such as books about art or architecture. I also believe that some of the classics just feel better read on hardcover books and fine paper. But the future is all about practicality and ease of use. That means all new books, even books about art, should have an electronic<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPx5KmTFZvg/TmaUuPR4XeI/AAAAAAAAAY4/OtsWcKwR_FY/s1600/Book%252520Marketing%252520101%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 140px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649366304679288290" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPx5KmTFZvg/TmaUuPR4XeI/AAAAAAAAAY4/OtsWcKwR_FY/s200/Book%252520Marketing%252520101%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> version. It makes no sense to bypass a large and growing market.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Can you tell us about what you're working on now?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br />My first trade-published book was <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Job Seeking Skills for Students</span><span style="color:black;"> (1987, Kendall-Hunt Publishing); a non-fiction textbook book that was aimed at youthful job seekers. My second trade-<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBtOxKqrJRQ/TmaVPDcBsiI/AAAAAAAAAZI/bu7QlFJhSv0/s1600/Runaway%252520Ducks%252520Cover%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 159px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649366868436300322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBtOxKqrJRQ/TmaVPDcBsiI/AAAAAAAAAZI/bu7QlFJhSv0/s200/Runaway%252520Ducks%252520Cover%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a>published book was <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Jacob's Courage; A Holocaust Love Story</span> (2007, Mazo Publishers). After writing the Holocaust book, I needed to clear my head with something different. So, I wrote a non-fiction book about author marketing, called, <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Book Marketing 101</span> (2009, Smashwoods, Amazon Kindle). This was basically a rehash of my experiences as a novice author. My most recent published book is children's story, <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Runaway Ducks</span> (2011, Smashwoods, Amazon-Kindle).</span><br /><br /><br />This year, I was finally able to begin work on my favorite genre, science fiction. I am nearly finished with a thrilling sci-fi novel, called <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Lost &amp; Found</span> (temporary title). It's about an American astronaut (Ariel) who is caught in the mother of all solar storms. The raging solar storm sends our protagonist's mind at nearly light speed out of our solar system. He eventually reaches an Earth-like planet with two warring advanced civilizations. One of the groups downloaded Ariel's mind into a cloned body. He has to learn how to use his new body, how to speak a drastically different language and how to fit into a strange society. Ariel becomes a fighter pilot, as he had done on Earth. He even falls in love. Rocket attacks occur frequently, launched by an unseen, unknown enemy. Certain that he is fighting on the right side, Ariel leads an attack against the enemy on the other side of the planet. His jet is shot down in a jungle and he must survive attacks by ghastly beasts. Eventually, Ariel is captured as a prisoner of war. But the enemy turns out to be completely different. Ariel suddenly realizes that he had been programmed to hate an enemy that was nothing at all like he had been programmed to believe.<br /><br /><br />This novel is filled with thrills, trepidation, aliens, monsters, spaceships, war, love and passion. From the thundering lift off of Ariel's ride into space, this novel is a rollercoaster ride of suspense. I guarantee a suprise ending. But it also has a deeper meaning, offering the reader an opportunity to reflect upon people and cultures that we dislike. Sometimes we discover that the people we hate the most are a lot like us. As a fan of Star Trek, I try to force the fiction reader to reflect upon issues like social justice, prejudice and tolerance. That gives this novel multiple layers of meaning.<br /><br /><br />Thank you so much Charles for that wonderful interview. As a fellow fan of Star Trek and the great bird of the galaxy Gene Roddenberry, I look forward to reading your new novel.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifep5_LaheI/TmaTVEekD7I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/YyfVJ0-xPW8/s1600/cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649364772771336114" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifep5_LaheI/TmaTVEekD7I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/YyfVJ0-xPW8/s200/cover.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of Star Trek that was one of the biggest influences when I wrote my novel Fantasy Time Inc <a href="http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432758110">http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432758110</a> . That with the great H. G. Wells were fundamental in my writing my novel about a time travel vacation agency.<br /><br /><br />Till next time:)<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/_4kYBmg02B0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com2http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/09/amazing-things-coming.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-42042938714011432612011-08-23T13:16:00.000-07:002011-09-01T14:47:54.956-07:00More Events Galore!!
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<br /><div>Well, I am really excited to tell you about several up coming events for me. I have been w<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAo1DN-TjaI/TlQqur-DCjI/AAAAAAAAAYI/cDX0lYn2_8w/s1600/IMG_9195%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644183214567393842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAo1DN-TjaI/TlQqur-DCjI/AAAAAAAAAYI/cDX0lYn2_8w/s200/IMG_9195%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">orking</span></span> very hard and I am gratified that I am seeing some good results.</div>
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<br /><div>The first event is a meet up I am having to learn about your life story and how to produce it. I am so excited to meet people and help them bring their life to other people. The date of the Meet up will be very soon, I will let you all know as soon as it is set in stone. I really hope to see you all there:)
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<br /><div>Before that on line I am having another of my Virtual Events, I will discuss all the exciting new developments and my new book. The new one is really different, so come join us on Friday to hear all the great new information. Here is the link; <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189840741083902">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189840741083902</a> .</div>
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<br /><div>Exciting news about a reading that I am going to join on line. The event is call <span style="color:#000099;">A Live Reading</span><span style="color:#000000;">. The one I will be on is September 18<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span>. I will be reading with three other writers and the whole reading will take a couple of hours. Your going to have a couple of choices you can listen on your phone or watch it on your computer. Kind of cool, huh? We can all do it in the comfort of our homes, and my little kitty Xena is very happy I won't be leaving her that day:)</span></div>
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<br /><div>There is a new article I wrote for <span style="color:#000099;">Working Writer</span> called <span style="color:#000099;">Why Should you Stick To One Medium</span>.</div>
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<br /><div>Here is the Link, tell me what you think; <a href="http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/08/10/why-should-you-just-stick-to-one-medium/">http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/08/10/why-should-you-just-stick-to-one-medium/</a> .
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<br />I would like to welcome my newest writer to my Interview Series; Annette <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jahnel</span></span>. She is here<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfW2uedCUeE/TlQmHdccsYI/AAAAAAAAAXo/BSqYA3AwmoA/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 75px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644178142606963074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfW2uedCUeE/TlQmHdccsYI/AAAAAAAAAXo/BSqYA3AwmoA/s200/untitled.bmp" /></a> to chat about writing and her novels; <span style="color:#3333ff;">My Year of Beds</span> and<span style="color:#000099;"> Andi Micki and the Men of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mallorca</span></span></span>. So lets give her a warm welcome:)</div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span></div>
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<br /><div>It was an antique, cloth bound copy of Grimm's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">fairytales</span></span>. Yes, I still own it, but in wanting to read the stories to my daughter, I discovered that those original German <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">fairytales</span></span> were <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt5a0bZ5cws/TlQoTOWlIyI/AAAAAAAAAX4/6wL2ZJbldAc/s1600/203180_685772324_5575278_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 131px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644180543737504546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt5a0bZ5cws/TlQoTOWlIyI/AAAAAAAAAX4/6wL2ZJbldAc/s200/203180_685772324_5575278_n.jpg" /></a>anything but pleasant. As example, the original version of Cinderella involves the bloody business of chopped off toes and heels. The prince only noticing that the shoe was forced to fit the ugly sisters when he noticed the blood welling from it. And so all the stories go. How time change. I wonder that I liked the book at all. Perhaps it was rather the act of being allowed to sit on fathers or mothers knee while they read to me that holds the appeal, and the illustrations are very beautiful.</div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing? </span></div>
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<br /><div>My reading habits have changed over the years. But if I am to find a thread, the books that appeal to me always deal with discovery. From the <span style="color:#3333ff;">Adventure Series<span style="color:#000000;"> of Enid <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blyton</span></span></span> </span><span style="color:#000000;">or her <span style="color:#3333ff;">Wishing Chair</span> series, I wanted a chair like that, one that would take me to far away places. I got myself a Wish Mobile instead. I read all of the James <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Michener's</span></span> books in my teens.</span></div>
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<br /><div>Now I read books that explore the mind, and the possibilities that are contained in our expanding knowledge; Quantum physics, Philosophy, and my favorite light reads are books that seem to delve into the absurd, but managed to expose the simple truths of life. Tom Robbins and Douglas Adams are two of my favorite authors for light yet deeply thought provoking reads.</div>
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<br /><div>I think everything we experience in life affects how we think and express ourselves. Which is why my advise to my daughter has always been; be careful what you allow into your mind, once its in there you can never get it out.</div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span></div>
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<br /><div>So many books, so many moments. No, I cannot say that I do, although Dr Seuss and his mad world of strange creatures, bent trees and twisted language is making a serious play for my attention right now.</div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920, 1800's so fourth?</span></div>
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<br /><div>No, although I do like really fat books, I hate getting to the end of a really good book. There is a little death right there in the last full stop. </div>
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<br /><div>One of my favorite books is a monster called <span style="color:#3366ff;">A Terrible Beauty</span>. I have read it three times, and will probably read it several times more. In this modern age of limited attention span, the fat book does seem to be a dying breed. Fat is bad...even for books.</div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</span></div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">I am nomadic by nature so I don't have a favorite nook or corners. i do have the great good fortune of having friends with cottages tucked away in exotic corners of the world.</span></div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Do you prefer one genre' to another?</span></div>
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<br /><div>No, I will read just about anything. Life is a quest for knowledge, and, as we learnt from the movie <span style="color:#3366ff;">Men in Black, <span style="color:#000000;">knowledge can be found in the most unlikely places.</span></span></div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic device?</span></div>
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<br /><div>I don't yet own an electronic reader so have no way of judging. I imagine that in time there will be no choice. I do know that for the digital native (those people born into the digital age) the question is moot. They read electronically... is there any other way?</div>
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<br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span></div>
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<br /><div>I am just about to embark on a countrywide talk tour through South Africa, promoting my book, <span style="color:#3333ff;">My Year of Beds</span>. In the background I am doing spade work for my next book,<span style="color:#3333ff;"> Andi Micki and the Men of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mallorca</span></span>. </span><span style="color:#000000;">It promises love, lust, travel and general youthful misadventure.</span></div>
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<br /><div>Thank you so much Annette, it was a really good interview! Your answers filled my mind with more questions, maybe we could have another chat sometime. Please go to Annette's website at<a href="http://www.ajahnel.com/">http://www.ajahnel.com/</a> .
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<br /><div>Till next time:)</div>
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<br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/AnMiMWlM9dc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/08/more-events-galore.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-77765153277039403722011-08-03T14:47:00.000-07:002011-08-06T20:04:24.829-07:00Sherri's Jewel Box Came!<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPLO4q_NbIg/TjnE3jVa_qI/AAAAAAAAAV8/OE8ujKQLBJM/s1600/9904144e2ea9f3m3.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 24px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636752867287826082" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPLO4q_NbIg/TjnE3jVa_qI/AAAAAAAAAV8/OE8ujKQLBJM/s200/9904144e2ea9f3m3.png" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBak6jTp3fY/TjnDrYrh7YI/AAAAAAAAAV0/eavoNCpIFyM/s1600/9904144e2ea9f3m3.png"></a><br />I would like to thank everyone for the great <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">response</span> to my new magazine; Sherri's Jewel Box. I have had a lot of hits and great comments. I am so grateful, thank you to everyone. I also would like to promise you a great new issue coming out in September! It will be bigger, full of great interviews and beautiful <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pieces</span>. I can't wait till everyone sees it!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMQVcymUK1k/TjnFUCGUSPI/AAAAAAAAAWE/F3craXxF6eM/s1600/IMG_NEW.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636753356582308082" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMQVcymUK1k/TjnFUCGUSPI/AAAAAAAAAWE/F3craXxF6eM/s200/IMG_NEW.jpg" /></a><br />Here is a new picture from my <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Paws for Troops</span> signing, yes I did sign someones book it was not just me sitting there smiling. I did enjoy the event and the best part was they made they're goal so all those soldiers and puppies and kittens will get together and party:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am very excited about my new event that I will be a part of, it is a W<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ebinar</span></span> called, <span style="color:#cc33cc;">"A Live Reading."</span> I will read a selection from <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Fantasy Time Inc</span>. It will be at the end of this month, and its free:) All you have to do is call in and listen. There will be four authors that will be doing readings and I am really excited to be a part of such a fun event! Stay tuned for date and time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tq3l6vJatU/TjnH2tsARgI/AAAAAAAAAWM/xTr_bpOhq_0/s1600/tn.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 149px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636756151421912578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tq3l6vJatU/TjnH2tsARgI/AAAAAAAAAWM/xTr_bpOhq_0/s200/tn.jpg" /></a>For my interview I'd like everyone to welcome Cindy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cromer</span></span><br />and her book <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Desperate Measures</span>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is a very hard question since as long as I can remember I have loved to read. The <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Nancy Drew</span> mystery series stands out from my childhood. When I was in elementary school I'd rather read the next <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Nancy Drew</span> book than play during recess. Unfortunately, I don't have any of those books but I wish I did.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I enjoy mystery suspense and also books mingled with some science or medical drama. Bo<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhA3tm6QV8E/Tjnd7pMsfsI/AAAAAAAAAWU/kvpI-F6dx_w/s1600/book%2Bcover.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 132px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636780425372008130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhA3tm6QV8E/Tjnd7pMsfsI/AAAAAAAAAWU/kvpI-F6dx_w/s200/book%2Bcover.bmp" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">oks</span></span> of this theme have definitely affected my writing. I earned my Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biology and became the president of a laboratory network. My scientific and executive experience has helped me to create the main character of <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Desperate Measures</span>, Caitlin Martel, and have thrust her into a suspenseful plot of family secrets and an unknown enemy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you remember what is the first that touched you deeply?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Another tough question since I have read so many books but I'd have to say <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Suzanne's Diary to</span> <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Nicholas</span> by <span style="color:#cc33cc;">James Patterson</span>. This was the first book I read outside of <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Patterson's Alex Cross</span> books and truly revealed the authors talent, diversity, and brilliant story telling with an unexpected ending. I have to admit, I cried my eyes out at the ending. There is also another book I'd like to mention at this point, <span style="color:#cc33cc;">"The Perfect Husband" by Lisa Gardner</span>. She is a master of the craft of twists and turns which keeps the reader guessing. In writing <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Desperate Measures</span>, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">strived</span></span> to achieve what <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Lisa Gardner</span> has in her books.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From the reviews that I have received, it appears I have so far accomplished this goal. Here is one review I'd like to share with you. For further reviews visit my publishers website, <a href="http://etreasurespublishing.com/">http://etreasurespublishing.com/</a> . Desperate Measures is listed under Top Sellers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />1. Posted by Cher green on 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> May 2011<br /><br /><br /><br />2. Cindy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cromer</span></span> debuts with a real page turner. Just when you think you've figured it all out, a new twist appears and sends you in another direction. Keep guessing, but you'll never guess who the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">villain</span> is.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920's, 1800's and so forth?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I enjoy novels written in the present but there is another book that stands out that I won't forget, <span style="color:#cc33cc;">"A Land Remembered" by Patrick Smith</span>. Excellent novel and one I wouldn't normally choose. The author takes the reader on a journey from the 1800's to 1960 in Florida and dramatically describes the development of Florida to what is today. My so had to read this book, the child's version, in fourth grade and I couldn't wait until he came home from school so that we could discuss the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maclvey's</span></span></span> adventure and heartache through the swamps of Florida.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anyplace where it is quiet with no interruptions. I have my small office set up and block out the world when I write. Sometimes I pace the house and pool area when I am struggling with a scene. At this point I not only talk to myself but answer myself until I have the scene worked out. My family looks at me like I'm crazy but for the most part they have gotten used to it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you prefer one genre' to another?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My preferences are mystery, suspense, and medical thrillers. Science Fiction usually <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">doesn't</span> capture my interest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well, since <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Desperate Measures</span> was released in e-format until 100 books sell, I should say electronic device but I will be honest. I like the physical book in my hands to flip pages and dog ear each stopping point.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I am currently putting the finishing touches and edits to my second book,<span style="color:#cc33cc;"> Desperate Deceptions.</span> It could be considered a sequel, but I have written it as a stand-alone and the reader won't be lost if they haven't read <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Desperate Measures</span>. Of course, my goal is propel the sales of my first and make the reader want to read both. I have a third and fourth book in a rough draft format, and are completely different from the first two. They are mysteries, but totally different characters and plots. Once I finish those two I would like to get back to a few characters I created in <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Desperate</span> Measures</span>, especially Tomas. I created him as a minor role to provide a bit of comic relief to the reader, but he took on a life of his own and I want to create his own story line. Barry <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Solerno</span></span> also needs to be the main focus of a book. I have no idea where I came up with him, but he became my favorite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">character</span>.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you for this opportunity to answer these questions. Please visit my website <a href="http://www.cindyhuefnercromer.com./">http://www.cindyhuefnercromer.com./</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you Cindy for such a great interview, I think we will all enjoy to read your new book:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Please check out my books at; <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc/Sherri-Rabinowitz/e/9781432758110?r=1">http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc/Sherri-Rabinowitz/e/9781432758110?r=1</a> or <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Murder-Inc/Ri/e/9781598002829?r=1">http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Murder-Inc/Ri/e/9781598002829?r=1</a> .<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />please read my magazine at; <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/">https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/</a> .<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Till next time:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_EcyHEKHGA/TjnDkd9hSBI/AAAAAAAAAVs/jQk-zPn_64M/s1600/265095_2198547608037_1377677619_2599261_4580152_n.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--x3i1Wpheuc/TjnDYiIrz5I/AAAAAAAAAVk/NZmDexrjhpg/s1600/IMG_NEW.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/QT3FVo4oFGU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com1http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/08/sherris-jewel-box-came.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-7733578299771717472011-07-12T12:35:00.000-07:002011-07-12T16:38:11.388-07:00Exciting Things Arrive!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atn8HMLhDfU/ThzBhgt38aI/AAAAAAAAAVU/8uzJlCnMd4U/s1600/jewel_3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 118px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628586415768465826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atn8HMLhDfU/ThzBhgt38aI/AAAAAAAAAVU/8uzJlCnMd4U/s200/jewel_3.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfU7a3xSmTs/ThzArd-_VyI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Cb8dygj98Dw/s1600/9904144e2ea9f3m3.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 24px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628585487322011426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfU7a3xSmTs/ThzArd-_VyI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Cb8dygj98Dw/s200/9904144e2ea9f3m3.png" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div>Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My new on line magazine is up!!! I am so excited and I am getting really good feedback. I am so happy that my little idea is actually working out. It's so exciting!!! If you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">haven't</span> read it yet here is the link; <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/cover-page">https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/cover-page</a><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/cover-page">e</a> . Tell me what you think:) If your a collector or you make any kind of Jewels please let me know because I am doing a feature on that too. Please send me a note at <a href="mailto:rithebard@yahoo.com">rithebard@yahoo.com</a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8DsO8sLspI/ThzBR2HMr0I/AAAAAAAAAVM/LWYa8l6cGHY/s1600/cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628586146633920322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8DsO8sLspI/ThzBR2HMr0I/AAAAAAAAAVM/LWYa8l6cGHY/s200/cover.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8DsO8sLspI/ThzBR2HMr0I/AAAAAAAAAVM/LWYa8l6cGHY/s1600/cover.jpg"></a></div><br /><div>I am so happy, I just got such a great review of my novel <span style="color:#000099;">Fantasy Time Inc.</span> from Valley Scene newspaper. I knew it was coming and I was very nervous and I was delighted when I read it! Here is the link; <a href="http://www.valleyscenemagazine.com/bookreview/">http://www.valleyscenemagazine.com/bookreview/</a> . Pretty cool, huh? If you would like to get a copy here is the link to for Barnes and Noble; <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc/Sherri-Rabinowitz/e/9781432758110?r=1">http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc/Sherri-Rabinowitz/e/9781432758110?r=1</a> .</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I was also really excited because two of my articles came out on the same day. They were very different from two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">separate</span> publications but I was very proud of both of them. One of them is about <span style="color:#000099;">Taking On A Job</span> that appears in Working Writer, it was in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">response</span> to a comment that made me think; how do you come up with ideas for the many types of things we write? Here is the link; <a href="http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/06/29/taking-on-a-job/">http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/06/29/taking-on-a-job/</a> . </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My other article in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">SelfGrowth</span>.com was inspired by watching shows about loss and how to overcome it. Also how loss brings on a crisis of self worth and the ways to regain it. This is something I am striving for in my life so it is of much interest to me. Here is the link; <a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/loss-and-self-worth">http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/loss-and-self-worth</a> .</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMhNqH0c4uI/Thy-tIoe3AI/AAAAAAAAAUk/bsQfws8nYKQ/s1600/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B5.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 121px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628583316926946306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMhNqH0c4uI/Thy-tIoe3AI/AAAAAAAAAUk/bsQfws8nYKQ/s200/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I would like everyone to welcome my guest author Celia A. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Andriello</span> who has </div><br /><div>agreed to come and chat with us about her five novels, her writing and the way she sees it all. Please give Celia a warm welcome;</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="color:#993399;">What was the first book you remember loving</span><span style="color:#993399;">? </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjf1IqKYdNY/Thy_XjwDXFI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QdZWm5jabzU/s1600/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover.jpg"><span style="color:#993399;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 128px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628584045760961618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjf1IqKYdNY/Thy_XjwDXFI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QdZWm5jabzU/s200/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover.jpg" /></span></a></div><br /><div><br />My very first heart throb book was <span style="color:#000099;">Man <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">O'War</span></span>. Like so many little girls , I was a horse addict. It was the public librarian that handed me that book. It was thick, hard covered and I handed it back to her and said, "Sorry, but I can't read."</div><br /><div>"Can't read? Who said?"</div><br /><div>"My teacher."</div><br /><div>She handed it back, and with the conviction of a general she said, "You can read, and this book will prove it."</div><br /><div>She was right. It took me forever to finish it and when I did. I read it again!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-648z3t6lHrc/Thy-mFSxLoI/AAAAAAAAAUc/yDgvk7pAzFw/s1600/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 119px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628583195771481730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-648z3t6lHrc/Thy-mFSxLoI/AAAAAAAAAUc/yDgvk7pAzFw/s200/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B4.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#993399;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There isn't a genre of books that I haven't digested with gusto; but my all time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">favorite</span> author, the author who holds my reverent esteem is Alexandre Dumas. I have read, and re-read his untarnished works countless times. With the stroke of his pen he cause me to hunger for more of his scrumptious prose. He has been a most singular influence in my writing. Throughout my novels there is always a modicum of Dumas' technique on every page.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lyO9j7-WdI/Thy9zrC7LBI/AAAAAAAAAUM/HDJDCijvpJc/s1600/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B2.jpg"><span style="color:#993399;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628582329732246546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lyO9j7-WdI/Thy9zrC7LBI/AAAAAAAAAUM/HDJDCijvpJc/s200/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#993399;"> Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;"></span></div><br /><div>Perhaps it was because I was pregnant, but the first book that compelled me to weep had just hit the shelves. The title was Alive! by Piers Read. It was the true story of a sixteen young men, on a Colombian soccer team, that survived an airplane crash in the Andes Mountains. Their struggle to survive was heart wrenching throughout their entire ordeal, until they were able to walk/drag themselves to safety. I was only able to read it once; it was that powerful.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXUWVnbf6n8/Thy99YKuz-I/AAAAAAAAAUU/NgpEtSkwKYQ/s1600/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 132px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628582496463409122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXUWVnbf6n8/Thy99YKuz-I/AAAAAAAAAUU/NgpEtSkwKYQ/s200/guest%2Bbook%2Bcover%2B3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920's, 1800's so forth?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;"></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>An era of writing? My heart runs the gambit in this area, for if the writer is worth his or her mettle he/she will haul me by the throat into that period of time, and I will not return to the now until I have consumed all of the leaves offered.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;"></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My writers garret is here at my computer, but I cannot sit here and wait for inspiration to hit. Inspiration consistently comes through the efforts of Margot <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fonteyn</span> and Rudolf Nureyev. If there's a writer's block, this couple has the power to heal!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Do you prefer one genre to another?</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Genres- I have digested so many, that now I have grown bored. It's why I started to writing my own novels. Everything out there has become re-runs. I require something fresh and odd, as well as inspirational.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic devise?</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Electronic devices clog my arteries. I do not understand Kindle or the alike. They do not do what they purport, that is, they do not save energy. When I hold a book in my hands my essence absorbs its vitality.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My latest novel, like all of my novels, weaves child abuse into the outcomes of adult behavior. In my perspective, child abuse is not a 90 minute talk-show laced with cure-all prescriptions. It is very real and should never be implemented as insensitive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">entertainment</span>. What I try to do is recognize it for what it is, and develop the characters to enrich their mental states by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">understanding</span> why they do what they do. Not to cure themselves-for that is an impossibility- but to develop from the abuse to be more comfortable in their skin. There is no perfect person; so why strive for perfection when the fun is in challenge of the game known as life?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This 5t<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">h</span> novel takes an abandoned child, now in adult form, and through the support of her once repulsed lover, as well as her f<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">riends</span>, she learns that her frustrations with herself are actually gifts to her constituency. She is charming as well as devious, and volatile. combining all three together she constructs an outcome she designs and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">executes</span> with the confidence of a cobra! (Gotta put that hostility somewhere.)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you for a great interview Celia! It was very interesting and enjoyable. Please check out her books:)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you have any questions for me please email at <a href="mailto:rithebard@yahoo.com">rithebard@yahoo.com</a> or send me a tweet at @<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">rithebard</span>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br 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/></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/UrWuYAPwPok" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/07/exciting-things-arrive.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-74557940788600065192011-06-27T11:48:00.000-07:002011-06-27T18:44:18.479-07:00Sherri's Jewel Box cometh<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BK6zpcZ_Av0/TgkwdKuTPYI/AAAAAAAAASs/0Pg3Xzurzxs/s1600/jewel_3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 118px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623078887401667970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BK6zpcZ_Av0/TgkwdKuTPYI/AAAAAAAAASs/0Pg3Xzurzxs/s200/jewel_3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>My new on-line magazine <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Sherri's Jewel Box</strong></span><span style="color:#cc33cc;"> </span><span style="color:#000000;">will be released to the public on July 4th!!! I figured that would be the best way to celebrate my patriotism...just kidding. I really just felt that a holiday weekend is great time to do all the work to make sure my first issue will be outstanding. I am so proud of it and I have been working so hard on it. I hope you all enjoy it. </span></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div>It will feature the history and stories of classic, vintage and historical jewels. I am hoping that the stories and articles will inspire my readers to collect their own pieces. The sentiment for each piece and the history are what draws me to vintage jewels. The beauty, history and sentiment of the family pieces make them special, its the beauty of it that strikes me. Please come and enjoy my new magazine! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJlttlec96A/Tgj9iNJddQI/AAAAAAAAASU/GOLeG9nHXDY/s1600/265095_2198547608037_1377677619_2599261_4580152_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623022898858784002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJlttlec96A/Tgj9iNJddQI/AAAAAAAAASU/GOLeG9nHXDY/s200/265095_2198547608037_1377677619_2599261_4580152_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Here I am at the Paws for Troops event, from my little face it looks like I am having a good time, huh? I did, I sold books for charity, ate pizza, bought a nice purse, and met some pretty dogs. The most important thing is that they met their goal for the event. Yeah!!!! And I helped in my own little way, so I feel very good about that. So I would say that this event was a win-win, wouldn't you?<br /></div><br /><div>Photograph by Chuck Cason</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Please welcome my newest author that has agreed to join us for a short chat about writing; Pamela Sisman Bitterman.</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xYZfLETqbs/TgkG4Pm1HrI/AAAAAAAAASk/njqdHDxAcxg/s1600/Bitterman%252520photo-au-6%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623033173080612530" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xYZfLETqbs/TgkG4Pm1HrI/AAAAAAAAASk/njqdHDxAcxg/s200/Bitterman%252520photo-au-6%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div>The first book that I remember falling in love with, and probably the one that I have most often given as a gift in the 50-plus years since it was first read to me, is the quintessential children's book of my generation, <span style="color:#cc33cc;">The Velveteen Rabbit</span>. I still have my ancient copy, the one my Mom read to me and the same one that I subsequently read to my own children. (I also still have my own "real" stuffed rabbit that I slept with through out my entire childhood.) Both are being saved for future generations... I'm convinced that my compulsion to ultimately pen children's books is due in large part to my own dreamy childhood memories associated with this story.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">As I have revealed in earlier interviews, books I read absolutely have an affect on my <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuMyfzOEaxg/TgkGRKikSCI/AAAAAAAAASc/BuOg6JDb6ag/s1600/Muzungu%252520Cover_7%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623032501705656354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuMyfzOEaxg/TgkGRKikSCI/AAAAAAAAASc/BuOg6JDb6ag/s200/Muzungu%252520Cover_7%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a>writing.</span></div></div></div><br /><div>So much so that my tendency to become completely absorbed in whichever good book I happen to be reading at any given time, precludes<br />my being able to both write and indulge my voracious reading habit, simultaneously.I love to read. Always have. Books offer a unique opportunity to learn, to think, to explore, to disappear, to re-invent,<br />to live a thousand different lives. Most writers who dare to spill their guts on paper will likely never know the extent to which they have affected change, or the many lives that they have touched. I like that. Ripples in a pond. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I do believe that we can learn a great deal about how to write well by reading well written books. However, I will also admit that reading badly written books that somehow miraculously made it to publication is what eventually prompted me to try my hand at the craft, arrogantly avowing that "I can definitely do better than that!"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you remember what is the first book that touched you deeply?</span></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I so remember the first book that touched me deeply. At the risk of cliche' I have to join the ranks of millions by admitting that it was <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Catcher In The Rye</span>. That book was the motivation<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNA_ctls5rw/Tgj8BEPLtpI/AAAAAAAAAR0/RXKE7upg6-M/s1600/Bitterman_Sailing_lgcover-5%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623021230019557010" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNA_ctls5rw/Tgj8BEPLtpI/AAAAAAAAAR0/RXKE7upg6-M/s200/Bitterman_Sailing_lgcover-5%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> behind my initially embarking upon a career path to help troubled children. Discovering <span style="color:#cc33cc;">A Separate Piece</span> represented another profound reading event in my life. Hmmm, I am just now realizing something. See what happens when we write? The protagonists, in fact pretty much all the principal characters of both of these books, were young boys. As a tomboy growing up as the antithesis of the debutante/ Betty Crocker crazed peers of my youth, I was desperate for literary role models that were brave, empowered, heroic, introspective, and soulfully embattled. I apparently found precious few young female characters that fit that prototype. But authors? Now that's another story. One had to look no further then <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Atalass Shrugged's</span> Ayn Rand, or the stunningly talented fifteen year old S. E. Hinton, author of<span style="color:#cc33cc;"> The Outsiders</span>. Both these books were also among my favorites and both have left an indelible mark. When the characters from a book stick with you, haunt you, become friends whose companionship you yearn for long after the story ends, then the author has done her job masterfully. That is always a goal of my writing.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920,'s, 800's so forth?<br /><br /></span>The era of writers that most affected me should be fairly self evident by this point in the interview. They were the writers of my youth, the illustrators of my personal experience. Of course, works by Steinbeck, Faulkner, Hemingway, Melville and the like were devoured and beloved. But Ken Kesy, Thomas Wolf, Jack Kerouac and J. D. Salinger became my surrogate best friends. Today, veteran authors like Barbara Kingsolver, and John Le Carre never let me down. And I'm always open to being swept away by new up-and-comers the likes of an Anne Lamont or a Dave Eggers, for instance. We need to believe that there's still great hope for their (our) ilk, right? I just read an interview with the renowned author Ann Patchett. Of the five books that she read in the last year and "wished she was still reading," was one by a (then) virtually unknown author whom she met when they shared a cab to the airport after a writers conference. We're all out there metaphorically waiting for that cab.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner? </span></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div>My most disciplined writing takes place in my office, mostly during the early dawn hours. But I write everywhere, on whatever is handy, whenever an idea presents itself. My moleskin is often anything with enough room to scratch out a notion on-a grocery list, gas receipt, stupid flyer stuck under the windshield wiper of my car.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you prefer one genre' to another?</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Although I primarily write nonfiction, when I read I love losing myself in really good adult fiction. I have the adventures that become the stuff of my nonfiction, and that then becomes the perfect package deal for me. I get to do it, survive it, and then re-live it on paper. However, I am now dabbling in my first adult fiction project (see question #8), and am finding it ridiculously liberating, and so much fun! I have had two non-fictions, one homily and one children's book published so far. Although writing children's books has always appealed to me, as they are an invaluable vehicle by which one can profoundly touch the hearts and minds of impressionable future generations, it is harder then it looks. There is a science to it, with very precise format requirements for age and target audience appropriateness. But once you learn the parameters and integrate these guidelines into the creative process, you have in effect found the keys to the kingdom. I'm afraid I'm not a big fan of science fiction or fantasy. Although the writing for those genres can be beautifully creative and artfully composed, I personally have difficulty suspending logic for the duration of the read. Probably a failing on my part, and ultimately my loss.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic device?</span></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">I do like the feel of a book. I like to hang onto them, smell them, share them, scribble in their margins, and yes, dog-ear a page. I would hate to see cloth books disappear from tomorrows artistic landscape. But much of my stubborn devotion to hard copies </span>is as sentimentally driven as it is financially and environmentally counter-indicated. Although I admit to being a bit of a neanderthal with the new technology, I suppose I have to also admit that electronic reading devises are probably the way of the future. Two of my most recent manuscripts have been published digitally, so in that respect, I suppose I even hope that to be true. In fact, most new books that I read today, I download to my own kindle.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Nonetheless, the learning curve of my reluctant though "strongly advised" delve into the new computer generated publishing business has as often led me to an awed sense of proud accomplishment, as it has to having to be physically restrained from furiously flinging any one of a number of fancy hand held devices out of my second story window. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div>At present, I am actively working on marketing my published books. Hence this Author Highlight, for which I am very grateful! That being said, the Self-Promoter hat is not the most comfortable fit for me, just as it probably isn't for most writers. It is a necessary evil, all the same. And although I actually enjoy doing these online interviews, there is undeniably that marketing method to my madness. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My works-in-progress are presently an adult fiction, and a second children's book. But my primary work-in-progress is always myself. Consequently, if the next great adventure opportunity suddenly presents itself, I will be off and running! In all likely-hood it will then become the subject of a subsequent nonfiction and quite possibly my next published work as well. I love writing but living big and full for as long and as well as I can still wins out, hands down, as my diversion of choice.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you so much for that wonderful interview, I think we learned a lot about your inner thought process:) If you would like to check out these book trailers for more information, please follow these links; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M5owy_L4cU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M5owy_L4cU</a> , <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6sI2hj-v5w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6sI2hj-v5w</a> , <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPD4LEPi3Qs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPD4LEPi3Qs</a> .</div><br /><div><br /><br />If you would like to ask questions, offer suggestions or just chat please contact me on twitter at; @rithebard or at my email <a href="mailto:rithebard@yahoo.com">rithebard@yahoo.com</a> . </div><br /><div><br /><br /><br />To check out my books please go to; <a href="http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432758110">http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432758110</a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/vXAxrwXxkWY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-new-on-line-magazine-sherris-jewel.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-84238827829843282832011-06-17T13:31:00.000-07:002011-06-24T08:34:25.559-07:00Exciting Events Approaching<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VB7HwLAMtbM/TfvMgU157fI/AAAAAAAAAQo/MqjT92OWDI0/s1600/203524_225945874089019_7329603_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619309815797509618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VB7HwLAMtbM/TfvMgU157fI/AAAAAAAAAQo/MqjT92OWDI0/s200/203524_225945874089019_7329603_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div>So many things are happening right now, I feel like a beautiful rainbow has opened up for me. I have a great event coming up it is a charity called Paws for Troops. The event is called Paws-atively Purr-fect Fund Raiser. It is to help both our veterans and animals heal from the trauma they had been through together. Its a great cause! I am very proud to help out. I donated my books and I will be signing at the event and my Mom donated one of her beautiful needlepoints. So exciting! For more information please check out <a href="http://www.pawsfortroops.com/">http://www.pawsfortroops.com/</a> </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>My new magazine is coming along very well. It is called The Jewel Box and here is the new lo<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqBKtlpzxYs/TfvLMl9Pn4I/AAAAAAAAAQY/-KOqsHKC6RE/s1600/jewel_3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 118px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619308377282682754" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqBKtlpzxYs/TfvLMl9Pn4I/AAAAAAAAAQY/-KOqsHKC6RE/s200/jewel_3.jpg" /></a>go. What do you think of it? My on-line magazine that celebrates the beauty and sentiment of family jewels. Pieces that you collected from your mother or grandmother. I am also going to focus on hot new pieces of all different types as well as historical pieces. It is a special, personal project of pure love. It will be premiering at the end of the month and I can't wait!!!</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I have a new article in Working Writers it is about inspiration. One of my favorite subjects that I feel is deep and mysterious. Here is the link; <a href="http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/06/16/inspiration/">http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/06/16/inspiration/</a> . Let me know what you think?</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>I would like you all to welcome my new guest for my interview series author Cindy Jones. She wrote a wonderful book called My Jane Austen Summer; A Season in Mansfield Park. Welcome Cindy!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Um0ZIKmxIQk/TfvKdEwAIUI/AAAAAAAAAQI/t2Ki9LF9hoQ/s1600/cindyjones-portait.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 101px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619307560914919746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Um0ZIKmxIQk/TfvKdEwAIUI/AAAAAAAAAQI/t2Ki9LF9hoQ/s200/cindyjones-portait.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div>The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett was the first book to have special meaning for me. I read a copy from the school library in fourth grade and remember having to renew it at least once in order to finish it. Although I had been reading novels since second grade, especially Nancy Drew mysteries. The Secret Garden was different. The walled garden, the locked door, and the secret relationship provided my first experience with Gothic elements in literature and started my love affair with books. </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books affect your writing?</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">I like to read books that have literary sensibilities and commercial tendencies. I crave complex characters and beautiful prose but need a tension-filled plot to go with them. And since I write the books I would like to read, my craving dictate my writing. My favorite contemporary book is The City of Your Final Destination by Peter Cameron. I also love Jane Austen, Henry James, Edith Wharton and Daphne Dumaurier.</span></div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Of all your work what is your personal favorite?</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">My <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWGLyjKT5Ck/TfvMNNijdmI/AAAAAAAAAQg/zkt_lgSfIeQ/s1600/My-Jane-Auster-Summer-cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619309487419782754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWGLyjKT5Ck/TfvMNNijdmI/AAAAAAAAAQg/zkt_lgSfIeQ/s200/My-Jane-Auster-Summer-cover.jpg" /></a>personal favorite is whatever I happen t be working on at the moment. Writing a novel is an intense experience and I lose myself with the characters and the story of each project while I'm working on it, starting with the novel I wrote in the fifth grade, followed much later by the first novel I wrote as an adult (now buried in a drawer), to My Jane Austen Summer and my current work-in progress. I love them equally, especially during the time they need the most attention from me. </span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Do you have a favorite character that you created?</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">My favorite character of my creation is also the protagonist of my current work. Working closely over a period of years tends to make them come alive in my imagination so that sometimes I think I catch a glimpse of them in the real world, or I refer to them in conversation before realizing what I've said. A man drove a golf cart past a window where I was sitting one day. I remarked to myself, "There goes Henry," (the male lead in my current project), but I immediately realized my lapse. Another time I suggested we stay with my character while traveling in England, before realizing my mistake.</span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">What is your favorite character from another writer? </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div>I love Fanny Price, a bookish woman who becomes the heroine of her own story, Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. I identify with a person who creates an interior world through reading, and I admire her courage in taking such a strong stand against the villains in her story.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Do you prefer on genre to another?</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div>I have a preference for complex and compelling fiction.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic devise?</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div>I was surprised to discover that I could lose myself in an electronic novel just as completely as I could in print. I enjoy the convenience of an e-reader and the rich feeling of an abundance of titles waiting for my attention. However, if I am reading carefully for research or discussion purposes. I like to have the printed version in my hands for ease of flipping back and forth through pages, highlighting and note taking. I'm sure the electronic reader will evolve to address this issue or I will adjust by necessity, but until such time, I mainly use my e-reader for pleasure and stick to print for work related reading. </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Can you tell us about your current work-in-progress?</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>I'm working on a novel about contemporary women who trade places. The story involves travel, India, Romantic Poets, and the power of imagination.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>****</div><br /><br /><div><br />Thank you so much for joining us and giving your take on reading and writing. I really appreciate it:)</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>If you have any questions or suggestions please email at <a href="mailto:rithebard@yahoo.com">rithebard@yahoo.com</a> or on twitter @rithebard.</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWGLyjKT5Ck/TfvMNNijdmI/AAAAAAAAAQg/zkt_lgSfIeQ/s1600/My-Jane-Auster-Summer-cover.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br 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/><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MctVME2UPAc/Tfu6CDNMnnI/AAAAAAAAAPg/F4eUnA9SprY/s1600/cindyjones-portait.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/gKRxS1P0m3c" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/06/so-many-things-are-happening-right-now.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-48582578534393597022011-06-02T13:19:00.000-07:002011-06-02T19:03:28.263-07:00Big News<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zpzcuGhqAc/TefwzgjQwVI/AAAAAAAAANM/3pJmgkGHUhI/s1600/mirror-rahmen.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 114px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613720228242440530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zpzcuGhqAc/TefwzgjQwVI/AAAAAAAAANM/3pJmgkGHUhI/s200/mirror-rahmen.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have wonderful news that I am announcing for the first time. In a couple of weeks I am launching an on-line magazine called <span style="color:#6600cc;">The Jewel Box</span>. I am very excited about this new venture. I have been working on it for months and I am very close to completion. It will be a magazine devoted to collectors of Vintage Jewelry. It is also about Heritage Jewelry which is very near and dear to my heart. It will come out every other month. I will give everyone more information as I get closer to the launch but I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooooo</span> excited about it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My new ad is up from Valley Scene it is kind of cool to have an ad both on the west coast in this paper and on the east coast in The Boston Review. It gives people who do not have a computer or time to look at one, a chance to see that my book is available and buy it. Please check it out at; <a href="http://www.jejprint.com/valleyscene/#/18/">http://www.jejprint.com/valleyscene/#/18/</a> .<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I will be having a new article coming out in the Working Writer later this month. I will give you the link when it is available for everyone to see. I am also working on a couple of other projects that when it gets firmer I will tell you all about it. It is exciting that things are finally popping for me. May they keep popping:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My new interview is with Ellen Brazer she is an award winning writer for her new book <span style="color:#000099;">Clouds Across The Sun. </span><span style="color:#000000;">She has graciously agreed to join us for a interview;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b9rxGgqcfw/TegC3yvQ46I/AAAAAAAAANU/ZIbotTy5QNg/s1600/ellen.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613740093053395874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b9rxGgqcfw/TegC3yvQ46I/AAAAAAAAANU/ZIbotTy5QNg/s200/ellen.jpg" /></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The first book I ever loved reading was <span style="color:#000099;">Leon Uris' Exodus</span>. Actually it was the first book I ever willingly read that some teacher had not assigned to me. Uris opened my eyes to Israel and to the courage of a people struggling to survive after the Holocaust. Later in my life, Leon Uris came to Miami as a speaker, and I hosted him for the entire day. I can still picture him, black leather jacket, jeans and boots. He was one really cool guy and yes, I still own the book.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your writing? </span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>The first requirement I have from a book is that it is going to take me to a place I have not been before and that I am going to learn something from reading that book. The subject has to be intriguing and the writing excellent and the reason is simple; it does affect my writing. When I am reading a great book my own words just seem to surface in a gentler manner. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;">Of all your work what is your personal favorite?</span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HgwABogX4Y/TegDMILiHeI/AAAAAAAAANc/Fw7whVYiE0s/s1600/guest%2Bbook.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 108px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613740442406493666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HgwABogX4Y/TegDMILiHeI/AAAAAAAAANc/Fw7whVYiE0s/s200/guest%2Bbook.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#000099;">Clouds Across The Sun</span><span style="color:#000000;"> is a work that I am very proud of. I love that all the reviewers say the same thing, they couldn't put it down. Yet, how can i not also love </span><span style="color:#000099;">Hearts of Fire? </span><span style="color:#000000;">That is my baby!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you have a favorite character that you created?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I don't mean to be evasive but I really don't. I love all my characters. I had a great challenge when I had to tap into the evil side of humanity. So while I hate who the bad people in my novels represent, I had an interesting time birthing them. Most of my characters are based on the real life stories of people that I have known. Perhaps that is why I find it impossible to tell you my favorite.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What is your favorite character and book from another writer?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I loved the psychic and good witch Ellen from <span style="color:#000099;">Ken <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Follett's</span> Pillars of the Earth.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you prefer one genre' to another?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I love good historical fiction. Although my new most favorite book in the entire world is </span><span style="color:#000099;">Cutting for Stone by Abraham <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Verghese</span>.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What inspired you to write? Who was your biggest inspiration?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I was waiting for some medical test results to come back. I was extremely successful in business when I was very young and while waiting for that phone call I asked myself what mountain had I yet to climb. The answer for me was writing a book. I have a dear friend who is a Pulitzer Prize winner. When I wrote my first draft of <span style="color:#000099;">Hearts Of Fire</span> I pressed the caps lock key on the computer and wrote the entire first draft in capital letters with almost no punctuation. It was my writing friend who said, there is something here and you must keep going. That first book took me 10 years to write. The manuscript went from under the bed, to the closet and then back under the bed again. A doctor friend took it on a ski vacation and he was the one that finally got me to become serious about getting the book published.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I am writing a historical novel that takes place in the year 135 of the common era. It was a time period when the Jews believed that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shimon</span> Bar <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kockba</span> was the Messiah. Following him, they managed to defeat Rome and for a three year period Israel was under the control of the Jews. <span style="color:#000099;">And So It Was Written</span> is the story of two brothers, one who becomes a famous physician in Rome and the other becomes a commander in the Jewish Army. There are some very unique and controversial elements to this book that I am keeping close to the vest so stay tuned. I am in the process of rewriting and I hope to be finished within the year. </span><br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you for joining us, Ellen and telling us about your wonderful writing. If you would like to look into her work her website is; <a href="http://www.ellenbrazer.com/">http://www.ellenbrazer.com/</a> .<br /><br /><br />If you would like to ask a question or just say hello:) please tweet me at @<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">rithebard</span> or if you would like to speak to me about anything please email me at <a href="mailto:rithebard@yahoo.com">rithebard@yahoo.com</a> .<br /><br />Breaking news: I will be signing books on June 25th at the Paws For Troops event in Sherman Oaks! Every cent is for chaity please go to web site for charity for details; <a href="http://www.pawsfortroops.com/">http://www.pawsfortroops.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/foOsSHeQyCw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/06/big-news.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-29159491023973767622011-05-20T14:03:00.000-07:002011-05-20T18:35:43.932-07:00Action at Last!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nj_K46ADnE/Tdbb6ckk_dI/AAAAAAAAALg/EKgil3gDkZk/s1600/br_cover_may_june_11.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 145px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608912183085039058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nj_K46ADnE/Tdbb6ckk_dI/AAAAAAAAALg/EKgil3gDkZk/s200/br_cover_may_june_11.jpg" /></a> Well I had a lot happen in the last few weeks. My co-op ad appeared in the new Boston Review. The ad is a full page ad on the last page of the new issue. My book is in the second row in the center. Maybe because I was looking for it, my eyes went right to it but I thought it stood out against the rest. Let me know what you think, if you see it.<br /><br />A new article I wrote is now up in Working Writer. The name of the article is called Write What You Love. Here is the link; <a href="http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/05/20/write-what-you-love/">http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/05/20/write-what-you-love/</a> . It is a subject that I have discovered that I am passionate about. I really believe now that you have to follow your passion.<br /><br /><br />This is a very special article I wrote that was just published today in SelfGrowth.com. Its called A Stolen Letter led to a Lifetime Together . <a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/a-stolen-letter-led-to-lifetime-together">http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/a-stolen-letter-led-to-lifetime-together</a> . Its about how my Mom and Dad met. Its romantic, sweet and I think touching. I know I am a bit biased; so you be the judge and let me know.<br /><br />I also have an ad in Valley Scene Newspaper. Here is the link for the ad; <a href="http://www.jejprint.com/valleyscene/#/18/">http://www.jejprint.com/valleyscene/#/18/<span style="font-size:0;"></span></a> . It is kind of cool because my ad is right next to a great pic of Kirk Douglas in Spartacus, which is a great film and there is my little ad. Really cool!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTwDayJ01UM/TdbcMGN2YZI/AAAAAAAAALo/CbEABunarPY/s1600/st98b.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608912486321774994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTwDayJ01UM/TdbcMGN2YZI/AAAAAAAAALo/CbEABunarPY/s200/st98b.jpg" /></a>Please welcome one the kindest and most approachable people its been my pleasure to meet in show business. He is Writer/ Producer Steven L. Sears. His list of credits is to long to put here but he wrote for many wonderful T.V. series and I met him through the wonderful world of Xena. So please give a warm welcome to Steven Sears...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What was the first piece you ever wrote?</span><br /><br /><br /><br />First thing you're going to learn about me is that I'm nuanced. I rarely have simple answers. For example, first thing I ever remember writing in a performance context? Or first thing I wrote in a screenplay format? Or first thing I wrote that I was paid for? See What I mean?<br /><br />So, one at a time. The first thing I remember writing was a short sketch for a Sunday School event. Honestly, I think I was about five and I wrote a skit about a man who wanted to make a gold cross for God but couldn't afford the gold, so he had to make it out of gold, silver, tin or whatever he had available. He was ashamed to give it to God but when God saw it, he loved it because it was so different and came from the heart. Hey I was five.<br /><br />My next memory was less noble. It was in seventh grade and I wrote a skit for a Talent Show that involved a really bad computer date (how bad? I played the girl).<br /><br />So fast forward to the beginnings of my career. I didn't start out writing full scripts. In fact, I had no intention of actually being a writer. I was an actor and I was doing auditions around town. Instead of doing the same scenes from the same plays/movies that everyone knew. I decided to start writing my own three minute audition scenes. Keep in mind, this was for auditions, not to get a job as a writer.<br /><br />A little while later, I started writing TV scripts purely for the fun of it. The first one of those was a BENSON script. Again, just for the fun of it, no one paid me, it wasn't a part of the series. I still had no intention of being a writer.<br /><br />I met another guy at the restaurant I was working at(I mentioned I was an actor) named Burt Pearl. He and I decided, purely for the fun of it, to start writing scripts. Through a series of events(which I won't bore you with here), Burt and I managed to get a meeting with the producers of a series called RIPTIDE. Off that meeting, we were given an assignment to write a script. That RIPTIDE script was called THE CURSE OF THE MARY ABERDEEN. That one started my professional career as a writer.<br /><br />After that, the only other thing of note was the first time I was paid to write a script on my own (Burt and I were a team, but we separated later). That was an A-TEAM script called FAMILY REUNION.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing today?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I enjoy reading a wide variety of books. Unfortunately because of my schedule, and the fact that I am also a writer, it becomes hard to read long fiction books. So a lot of my reading is non-fiction. I'm a fact and knowledge junkie. Science, history, trivia, etc. I can pick those books up, read a bit, and put them down to come back to them later. They are quick bits, not long involved stories.<br /><br />When I am reading novels, they tend to be full biographies, historic drama, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, comedy, psychology/sociology books and so on. For example, right now I'm reading William Goldman's THE PRINCESS BRIDE and Jeff Shaara's World War II novel THE FINAL STORM. I love anything by William Goldman and Jeff Shaara. I also have two Zombie short story anthologies, one Apocalypse anthology and five history magazines sitting on my bedstand and in my iPad.<br /><br />Do they have an effect on what I write today? Everything in my life affects how I write. Always has, always will.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Of all your work what is your personal favorite?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />Ah, the second thing you will learn about me. I don't have "favorites". I'm not wired that way. The eclectic nature of my mind and my fancy doesn't allow for favorites. It's like asking which is your favorite child. If you love them all, it's hard to answer unless you get really really specific. The first script for RIPTIDE will always be a favorite because it was the first. The first script I wrote for Xena (DREAMWORKER) will always be a favorite because it set up major arcs for Gabrielle's character. The first screenplay I ever sold, HARRY O'FELL (not produced) is a favorite because it was my first screenplay and was optioned for a pilot. So, you see "favorite" isn't a word that applies to me.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you have a favorite character that you created?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />heh heh, you can imagine what this answer will be. Yes. And no. They are all characters I invested a part of myself in so they are all special for different reasons.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What is your favorite character from another writer?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />Woo hoo! I'm really not trying to avoid your questions, believe me, this happens a lot. Many of the questions I get are of the "favorite" kind and it frustrates people because I can't answer the question. I've loved all sorts of characters and remember a lot of them. Honestly, if I didn't like the character, odds are I didn't read much of the work and forgot about it. Here're some names that register: The Hardy Boys, Brains Benton, Jupiter Jones, and most of the heroes of the books in my childhood. But there have been many more characters that I have enjoyed whose names elude me at the moment.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you prefer one genre to another?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />My preferences change with time. I've always enjoyed science fiction because, when well written, they create questions in the reader's mind. The golden age of sci-fi was fantastic with that, usually putting a spin in the last page that made you think. I've enjoyed zombie stories for the longest time because zombies are just zombies, but the real stories deal with the psychological effect the living dead have on the living. Historical dramas, when well written, are always attractive me. David McCullough writes some exceptional books on history. His book on John Adams was wonderful! Jeff Shaara writes books based around real historical characters in real events, dramatizing only the details. He (and his father before him) write wonderfully immersive stories.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer an electronic devise?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />Interesting question. I had one of the first electronic books. It was an RCA device and if I didn't have a dog lying on my lap as I type this, I could turn around and grab it from my bookcase. It was a gift from a girlfriend's family back in 1999. I loved it! Because I could carry a mini-library with me wherever I went. Keep in mind, my reading habits are eclectic and go back and forth, so instead of being stuck with one book or carrying several with me, I could travel with this one ebook and read them all. Today, I have an iPad with my kindle on it as well as on my android phone and I enjoy those for the same reason. The iPad gives me the additional luxury of being able to download scripts onto it to take with me wherever I go.<br /><br />Now do I love the feel of a book in my hand? No, not especially. Don't hate it, but it doesn't call to me as a literary purist. What I like is having books on bookshelves; something about that calls to the child in me where I dreamed of being able to have my own "library". The books I really DO enjoy having are the autographed copies that I have. I have a few shelves of autographed books that I'm quite proud of. Somehow having an author sign my iPad just doesn't seem as satisfying or practical.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />I haven't had a series on the air in almost a decade. After finishing my last series (SHEENA)I was so burned out as I had been working non-stop for a couple of decades. So I told my agent I wanted to do development for a while. The risk of that is of course, that you drop off the radar as far as working on series. I accepted that, I needed to. So I started developing and doing projects here and there. Fortunately I was paid for most of my development (many times you aren't), but I'm now itching to get back into things.<br /><br />So, currently, aside from hawking myself to new and existing series, I just finished a multi-series pilot deal with Cookie Jar Entertainment (one of those pilot scripts is being taken out to the networks as we speak), I'm in discussions with Cookie Jar for another project right now. I'm doing consulting work with Artists, Inc. (an animation house, I wrote a short animated feature for them two years ago). I'm writing a spec pilot script titled SNAP right now (an edgy look at the world of the paparazzi) as well as a series about two women on a quest in a dangerous land. And so on so on and so on. It never stops. Then again, when it's a passion you never want it to end.<br /><br /><br /><br />Wow! Great interview thank you so much Steven for taking the time to speak to us:)<br /><br />If you would like to get in touch or ask me a question please tweet at @rithebard or email me at <a href="mailto:rithebard@yahoo.com">rithebard@yahoo.com</a>.<br /><br />Till next time...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/ErLwHZVPLLw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com0http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/05/action-at-last.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497360837595406692.post-8371421791644187662011-04-27T10:48:00.000-07:002011-04-27T13:44:23.994-07:00Expectations<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMdR95thFjw/Tbh5kdVkf5I/AAAAAAAAALQ/4QRVo0ZgSIs/s1600/Waiting--24216.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600359803892563858" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMdR95thFjw/Tbh5kdVkf5I/AAAAAAAAALQ/4QRVo0ZgSIs/s200/Waiting--24216.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I have high expectations, I do admit it. I work very hard and want results from that work. I put in the labor and want it to work and want results. What I don't have is patience. I know that is something I really need to learn. I think that is one of my biggest lessons in life and I am trying to learn it. Not easy, I am modern woman and expect things to happen quickly.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Right now I am in the waiting mode again. It <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> hard. I think what I want to learn is to enjoy the process. This is one lesson I have never learned and I think that life is making me learn it right now. Enjoyment will take time, first I have to learn patience and that is what I am doing right now.</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div>So I am waiting for my add to be published... I am working hard on the next draft of my new novel. I have new article that I sent to be published. Waiting, waiting, waiting...</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am also working on a big project right now, it is the biggest writing project I have ever taken on and I am working so hard on it. I am not ready to announce it yet but I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooo</span> excited about it. Waiting, waiting, waiting...</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3HponDNjLA/Tbh5t4k95OI/AAAAAAAAALY/w5C6pW6M6Uo/s1600/Vada_final2%255B1%255D%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600359965823722722" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3HponDNjLA/Tbh5t4k95OI/AAAAAAAAALY/w5C6pW6M6Uo/s200/Vada_final2%255B1%255D%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>I am happy to bring up the second half of my interview with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vada</span> Foster. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Do you prefer one genre to another?</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I tend to shy away from supernatural and sci-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">fi</span> because I am too lazy to learn all the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necessary</span> names and descriptions. Other than that, pretty much anything. I am an avid reader with close to 1,200 books in my collection, so clearly I like a wide variety of genres.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do you prefer electronic devices?</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">In my heart, there is no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">substitute</span> for a book in my hand, but I do have an e-book and I tend to go back and forth from one to the other. I love the fact that with a hundred or more stories on the e-book, I never run out of things to read. I have been known to read two books on a flight to Europe, and it is a pain to have to haul all that in your carry-on. An e-book is a must on the plane!</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Can you tell us about what your working on now?</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I have not been seriously working on anything for sometime. I have several story ideas I have worked on but not so much lately. Anybody have any great suggestions for what to do about writers block? I'm all ears! </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Thank you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vada</span>, for answering my questions, I think everyone enjoyed hearing from you.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Please email me with any questions at <a href="mailto:rithebard@yahoo.com">rithebard@yahoo.com</a> or tweet me at @<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">rithebard</span>.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RiTheBard/~4/dwFiqL9-MXQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ri The Bardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349724479500625685noreply@blogger.com1http://rithebard.blogspot.com/2011/04/expectations.html